In a rare display of cross-aisle cooperation, lawmakers from both parties have introduced legislation that would expand Medicare's coverage of blood tests designed to catch Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages. The bill, known as the ASAP Act, seeks to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a pathway for Medicare to pay for FDA-approved or cleared blood-based biomarker tests for early detection of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
The bipartisan effort is spearheaded by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), who argue that the current coverage gap leaves millions of Americans without access to potentially life-changing diagnostic tools. Alzheimer's disease affects more than 7 million people in the U.S., with projections suggesting that number could nearly double in the coming decades. Buchanan and Tonko note that the disease does not discriminate by party affiliation, impacting families in every congressional district.
“Alzheimer’s doesn’t care about politics,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “It affects families in every state, congressional district, and neighborhood across America.” They emphasized that early detection is critical, as the disease can begin more than a decade before symptoms appear, and timely intervention can make treatments more effective.
Currently, Medicare coverage for preventive services is limited to those explicitly authorized by Congress or recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This bureaucratic hurdle has delayed coverage for new tests even after they receive FDA clearance. The ASAP Act would circumvent that delay by providing a direct authorization for blood-based biomarker tests, which are less invasive and more accessible than traditional diagnostic methods like PET scans or spinal taps.
Supporters highlight the potential benefits for rural and underserved communities, where access to specialists and advanced diagnostic facilities is often limited. A simple blood test could reduce the burden of traveling long distances for care, making early detection more equitable. “This is about ensuring that a person’s ability to benefit from the latest innovation isn’t determined by their income status or where they live,” Tonko said.
The legislation also addresses the staggering costs associated with late-stage Alzheimer’s care. The disease is among the most expensive to manage, with the U.S. projected to spend more than $1 trillion annually by 2050 on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Buchanan and Tonko argue that early detection can save taxpayer dollars by enabling earlier treatment and better planning for families, reducing the financial and emotional burden on caregivers.
While some may question whether Medicare should cover new services, the lawmakers point out that blood tests are far more cost-effective than PET scans. “Modern blood tests are much softer on taxpayers than a typical PET scan,” they noted, adding that the ASAP Act would ease out-of-pocket costs for patients, making these tests more accessible.
The bill has garnered significant support, with 224 House co-sponsors. Buchanan and Tonko see this as a sign of momentum that should not be squandered. They draw a parallel to the 1990 decision to cover mammograms under Medicare, which saved countless lives through early detection of breast cancer. “We have the chance to change Alzheimer’s trajectory and write a new story,” they said.
The ASAP Act reflects principles that appeal to both parties: prevention, innovation, patient choice, and fiscal responsibility. For Republicans, it aligns with conservative values of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For Democrats, it advances a more equitable healthcare system where access to cutting-edge care is not limited by geography or income. As the population ages, the need for such legislation becomes more urgent, and the lawmakers emphasize that every month of delay costs Americans opportunities to benefit from these advances.
“The time for waiting is over. We must act ASAP,” Buchanan and Tonko concluded.
