Medicare: Mandatory Cognitive Screening and Coverage for Innovative Medical Therapies
This law mandates standardized screening for cognitive impairment (like early dementia) during annual Medicare wellness visits, starting in 2025. It also streamlines and clarifies the process for Medicare to cover new medical technologies, including advanced home infusion pumps and prescription digital therapeutics (medical apps). These changes aim to improve early diagnosis and expand access to modern healthcare options for seniors.
Key points
Mandatory cognitive impairment screening for seniors during their annual Medicare wellness check-ups (effective January 1, 2025).
Expanded Medicare coverage for complex home infusion pumps and associated drugs, allowing patients to receive specialized therapies at home under professional supervision.
Requirement for Medicare to issue guidelines on payment for devices using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and for prescription digital therapeutics (software-based treatments).
Improved process for Medicare to approve new medical services and equipment, including a requirement to re-evaluate coverage decisions after 10 years.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8816
Sponsor: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
Process start date: 2024-06-25