Medicaid and Dementia: Alzheimer’s Coalition Releases Special Issue Brief

BrightFocus Foundation is an active member of Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease (LEAD Coalition), a growing coalition of more than 90 member organizations committed to overcoming Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This week, as Congress considered a tax bill that ultimately could include cuts to Medicaid, LEAD released an in-depth Issue Brief on Medicaid and Dementia, detailing how the program is indispensable for many individuals with significant health care needs, and why the program should not be cut.

Among the most astounding facts: nearly 1 in 4 Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementia receive care through the Medicaid program.

This health insurance program is for low-income adults, and others including older adults, and people with intellectual and physical disabilities who have high medical bills and limited resources. Each state administers its own Medicaid program under broad general guidelines established by the US government.  Eligibility criteria vary from state to state.

The Issue Brief addresses services covered by Medicaid, estimated costs, family caregivers, what would happen if block grants were substituted for Medicaid programs, and much more. Read the issue brief,