Feds Invest $200 Million in Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
The Biden administration is ramping up its efforts to combat Alzheimer's disease and dementia, announcing a $200 million investment to improve care for older Americans.
The funding, allocated through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will support 42 programs nationwide that enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers and caregivers.
With over six million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, the need for specialized care is urgent. The disease not only impacts individuals but also places a significant burden on families and caregivers.
Diagnostic Training Critical
The HRSA's Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program will train primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to better identify, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer's and related dementias. The initiative will also equip caregivers with the necessary tools and knowledge to support their loved ones.
"We know that caregivers are the backbone of long-term care," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
This investment will empower them with the resources they need to provide high-quality care.
Aging Population Increasing Dementia and Long-Term Care Needs
The move comes as the U.S. grapples with an aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2060. This demographic shift will increase the demand for long-term care services, including those for individuals with dementia.
While the investment is a significant step forward, experts say more needs to be done to address the complex challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease. Research into potential treatments and cures remains a top priority.
Additionally, the financial burden of caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming. Health insurance and Medicare typically cover only short-term skilled care, leaving families to shoulder the caregiving responsibilities and even some of the costs of long-term care services. This often necessitates depleting savings or relying on Medicaid, which has strict eligibility requirements requiring limited financial resources.
Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Dementia is characterized by significant cognitive difficulties that arise in adulthood, impairing a person's ability to perform everyday activities independently. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center says not everyone diagnosed with MCI will progress to develop dementia.
MCI involves noticeable cognitive decline that is greater than expected for a person's age, but it does not significantly interfere with daily life and activities. This distinction between dementia and MCI is important for identifying and managing potential future cognitive health issues.
Jennifer J. Manly, PhD, a professor of neuropsychology in neurology at the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University, says the rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment rose sharply with age.
With increasing longevity and the aging of the Baby Boom generation, cognitive impairment is projected to increase significantly over the next few decades, affecting individuals, families, and programs that provide care and services for people with dementia.
The economic impact of dementia, including the costs associated with unpaid family caregiving, is substantial. In the United States, it is estimated to be $257 billion annually, while globally, the cost reaches approximately $800 billion. These figures encompass direct medical expenses, long-term care, social care costs, and the significant financial burden borne by families providing unpaid care.
Private LTC Insurance Benefits Families
Long-Term Care Insurance can mitigate these costs and even provide benefits toward in-home care, but an LTC policy must be purchased before the onset of health issues. Experts recommend considering such policies in one's 40s or 50s, although if someone has fairly good health, you can find affordable LTC Insurance options in your 60s or even older.
LTC Insurance has been key in providing tax-free funding for long-term care services. In 2023, over $14 billion was paid to policyholders to provide quality long-term care services, protecting assets and reducing family stress. However, many families don't think about aging and long-term care before a crisis occurs.
By providing government funding for caregiver training and support, the federal government is taking a crucial step towards improving the lives of millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Bipartisan Efforts to Fight Alzheimer's
There has been a bipartisan commitment to tackling Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, aiming to improve research, care, and support for millions of affected Americans.
During the Trump administration, there was a marked increase in funding and research initiatives to address Alzheimer's disease. One notable effort was the passage of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act in 2018, which aimed to build a public health infrastructure to increase early detection and diagnosis, support caregiving, and reduce risks associated with Alzheimer's disease. This act significantly boosted funding for research and local public health activities related to dementia.
Both administrations have emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities. The Biden administration, in particular, has focused on improving access to dementia care in underserved communities through various initiatives aimed at health equity.
The Biden administration has continued to update and expand the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which outlines strategies to accelerate research, improve care, and support people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease is a comprehensive, government-led initiative aimed at combating the devastating effects of Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD).
Established in 2012 during the Obama administration and continuing through the Trump and Biden administrations, the plan outlines a strategic approach to preventing, treating, and supporting individuals living with these conditions.
Key goals of the National Plan include:
- Preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's and related dementias by 2025. This involves accelerating research, developing new treatments, and identifying disease prevention methods.
- Enhancing care quality and efficiency. The plan focuses on improving the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, as well as streamlining care delivery systems.
- Expanding support for people with Alzheimer's and their families. This includes providing resources, education, and support services to help individuals and families cope with the challenges of the disease.
- Enhancing public awareness and engagement. The plan aims to increase public understanding of Alzheimer's, reduce stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and intervention.
- Improving data to track progress. By collecting and analyzing data, the government can monitor progress toward the plan's goals and identify areas for improvement.
Experts Recommend Planning
While not every family has the resources to buy Long-Term Care Insurance, every family should discuss aging and the consequences on the family and finances.
Long-Term Care Insurance can be a valuable part of a comprehensive retirement plan for those who would not qualify for Medicaid due to their income and assets. Medicaid requires someone to have limited financial resources.
Currently, 45 states have partnership programs that allow individuals to purchase private, partnership-qualified LTC Insurance policies. These partnership policies provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection, meaning that even a small policy can shield savings and allow a policyholder to access Medicaid benefits without depleting all their assets.
The partnership program incentivizes individuals to acquire an LTC policy by protecting a portion of their assets equal to the amount of insurance benefits paid out. This approach ensures that policyholders can receive necessary long-term care services without the financial burden of exhausting their life savings.
As the cost of long-term care services continues to rise, the impact of long-term care on families and finances becomes greater. Long-term care costs can vary depending on where you live and the type of services you require. Most long-term care is at home, and home care costs in Columbia, South Carolina, are less expensive than home care costs in Denver, Colorado.
With planning, government funding, and research, families can be better prepared and receive the quality medical care and long-term care services they deserve in the years ahead.