WASHINGTON (March 31,2002) -- The White House has quietly authorized Medicare coverage for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the New York Times reported in its Sunday edition.
The policy change, initiated late last year, means that Medicare beneficiaries cannot be denied reimbursement for the costs of mental health services, hospice care or home health care because they have the affliction, the Times reported.
Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that causes loss of memory, changes in personality and behavior, and a decline in thinking abilities.
Stephen McConnell, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Association, estimated that 10 percent of people over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 had Alzheimer's, the newspaper reported.
"The memorandum from the administration went to the companies that review and pay Medicare claims and the change is being put into practice," the newspaper said.
"In the past, many claims were automatically denied on the assumption that treatment was futile because people with Alzheimer's were incapable of any medical improvement. Now, federal officials say, new studies show that people with Alzheimer's can often benefit from psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy and other services," according to the Times.
Experts told the newspaper the direct cost to Medicare could be several billion dollars a year. However, they said, some of the cost could be offset by savings because the new services will enable patients to live longer on their own, with greater ability to function.
"The government said it changed its policy because doctors and psychologists can now often diagnose Alzheimer's in its early stages, when patients are most likely to derive significant benefits from treatment and therapy. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, staving off its worst effects can prolong a relatively normal life and save money," the Times said.
When asked why the government did not publicize the new policy, a Medicare official told the Times the change was not announced because "we saw it mainly as a technical matter for Medicare carriers."