The LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease) released a new Issue Brief showing the vital role of Medicaid in providing essential medical and support services for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The new Issue Brief notes that people living with dementia often require and count on Medicaid for services that Medicare and private insurance do not cover. This includes long-term care, transportation, and respite for caregivers, making it indispensable for many individuals with significant health care needs.
The LEAD Coalition has five main recommendations:
- Maintain the current Medicaid funding system to ensure that the program is able to meet the needs of an expanding aging population and growing number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Do not impose Medicaid funding limits or per capita caps and do not restructure Medicaid into a block grant program for states.
- Continue to assist states to “rebalance” their Medicaid programs to encourage greater utilization of home and community-based services and reduce premature institutionalization.
- Increase options for individuals and families to self-direct their home and community-based services (HCBS) to better meet their needs.
- Enhance support for family caregivers within Medicaid, including assessment of caregiver needs and access to evidence-based family support programs.
Read the LEAD Coalition Medicaid and Dementia Issue Brief, then contact your Members of Congress at 202-224-3121 and tell them to “Protect Medicaid: No cuts. No caps. No block grants.”
