# Plain Language Summary: Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention Act (ASAP Act)

## What This Bill Does

This bill would require Medicare to cover blood-based tests that can detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias before symptoms appear. Currently, Medicare does not pay for these screening tests. The bill amends Medicare law to add coverage for approved blood tests that can identify whether someone is developing dementia in its earliest stages, starting January 1, 2028.

## Who Benefits

The primary beneficiaries would be Medicare beneficiaries (seniors age 65+ and some younger disabled individuals) who could receive early dementia screening at no out-of-pocket cost. This could help people and their families plan ahead and potentially access early treatments. The bill was introduced by Senators Collins, Cortez Masto, Capito, and Warner—a bipartisan group—suggesting broad support for addressing Alzheimer's disease.

## Key Provisions

- **Eligible Tests**: The bill covers blood-based tests that have been approved by the FDA, including genomic sequencing tests, protein analysis tests, and other biomarker tests that can detect early-stage Alzheimer's disease
- **Implementation Date**: Coverage would begin January 1, 2028, giving time for preparation
- **Payment**: Medicare would pay for these screening tests as a covered service, similar to other preventive care services
- **Flexibility**: The bill allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve additional equivalent tests beyond those specifically listed, as medical science advances