West Central Reporter

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers and co-chair for the Ways and Means Alzheimer's Working Group, introduced a new bill to help families nationwide dealing with Alzheimer's and many other diseases.

The Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act would help provide care management services including health condition and medication management, establish high standards of care, eliminate cost-sharing for patients, support caregivers and require outreach to underserved communities. 

"Alzheimer's impacts so many throughout IL. That's why I introduced a bill that will support innovation for Alzheimer’s treatment by the healthcare community & work to support patients, families, & caregivers through expanded policies in support of greater coordination of care," LaHood said in a tweet on April 15.

The Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act would help to provide care management services including health condition and medication management, establish high standards of care, eliminate cost-sharing for patients, support caregivers and require outreach to underserved communities. 

The bill would also help create a new fund for dementia care through Medicare to help reduce medical complications for patients with the disease. The model of care management would "help reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits and delay nursing home placement, which improves the quality of life for patients and makes treatment more affordable," according to a release from LaHood. 

According to the release, one in 10 senior citizens has Alzheimer's nationally. The number affected by the disease is expected to double to more than 14 million Americans over the next 30 years.