H.R.3501 - 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
H.R.3501 aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, specifically focusing on improving the detection of cognitive impairment during Medicare annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical examinations. The bill mandates the use of cognitive impairment detection tools identified by the National Institute on Aging. It also requires documentation of the tool used and assessment results in the patient's medical record.
This bill seeks to address the growing prevalence and impact of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By integrating cognitive assessments into routine Medicare visits, the bill intends to facilitate earlier diagnosis and access to care planning services.
The changes would apply to wellness visits and physical examinations furnished on or after January 1, 2026.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to standardize and enhance cognitive impairment detection within the Medicare system. This should lead to earlier diagnoses of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Improved detection rates could enable patients and their families to access necessary support and treatment options sooner. It may also reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with late-stage dementia care.
Healthcare providers will need to incorporate the mandated cognitive assessment tools into their practices. They will also need to document the results appropriately.
Potential Benefits
- Facilitates earlier detection of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Enables timely access to care planning services and available treatments.
- Optimizes patients' ability to build a care team and participate in support services.
- Potentially reduces long-term healthcare costs associated with dementia.
- Provides caregivers with earlier support and resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the time and cost associated with Medicare wellness visits and physical examinations.
- Could lead to increased anxiety and stress for patients undergoing cognitive assessments.
- Requires healthcare providers to adopt new assessment tools and documentation procedures.
- Potential for false positives or negatives in cognitive impairment detection.
- May strain healthcare resources if a significant number of patients require further evaluation and treatment.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to regulate healthcare through the Social Security Act.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or states' rights. The bill focuses on improving healthcare services for seniors, a legitimate federal interest.
This action appears to be within the scope of Congressional authority as defined by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
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).