S.1799 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain cognitive impairment detection in the Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical examination. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1799 aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, mandating cognitive impairment detection during Medicare annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. This bill seeks to improve early detection of cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease. The bill is sponsored by Senators Capito and Warner and was introduced in the Senate on May 19, 2025.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the integration of cognitive impairment screening into routine Medicare wellness visits and initial physical exams. This will likely lead to earlier diagnoses of conditions like Alzheimer's. Ultimately, this will allow for timely access to care planning, medical treatments, and support services.
Potential Benefits
- Early detection of cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention and care.
- Improved access to care planning services and medical treatments for individuals with cognitive impairment.
- Enhanced ability for individuals to build a care team and participate in support services.
- Increased enrollment in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with late-stage diagnosis and treatment.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased workload for healthcare providers during wellness visits and physical examinations.
- Potential for false positives, leading to unnecessary anxiety and further testing.
- Possible increase in healthcare costs due to additional cognitive impairment screenings.
- Concerns about patient privacy related to cognitive assessment data.
- The bill does not address the underlying causes of Alzheimer's, only the detection.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on healthcare access and support for vulnerable populations aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare," as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare, Congress has historically used its power under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) to regulate healthcare-related matters, including Medicare and Social Security. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).