Congressman Rice cosponsors landmark legislation for Alzheimer’s
February 25, 2016
The second week of February, Congressman Tom Rice of District Seven, in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, officially cosponsored the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 857/H.R. 1559). The newest appointee to the House Ways and Means committee is the first in the South Carolina Congressional Delegation to cosponsor this landmark bill, representing a shift in awareness and attitudes towards Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,” said Congressman Rice. “With over five million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s, we must ensure that those battling this debilitating disease have access to a comprehensive care plan. The HOPE Act for Alzheimer’s make great strides towards improving care and providing resources to newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s patients.”
An estimated 81,000 South Carolinians are facing their own personal diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and over 295,000 caregivers in the state will be providing care to them as they tackle the myriad of challenges associated with cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease costs Americans an estimated $226 billion dollars to provide medical care for over 5 million suffers, but the HOPE Act looks to changes those numbers.
The HOPE (Health Outcomes, Planning & Education) for Alzheimer’s Act seeks to build upon existing Medicare coverage of a diagnosis by providing critical care planning services to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers who are newly-diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. This would provide families with much needed information about the disease as well as options for ongoing treatment, services, and support. In addition, the HOPE Act would ensure that the diagnosis and care plan are documented within the individuals medical record. Medical record documentation allows for better care coordination and more effective management of coinciding chronic conditions, which could lead to better outcomes for families and potential cost savings within the healthcare system.
“We are extremely encouraged to see Congressman Rice lead the way on this important issue in South Carolina,” said Cindy Alewine, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter. “Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia, care planning is crucial to improving outcomes for the individual – and improving a caregiver’s long-term health. Something as simple as knowing what to expect and how to access support can make an incredible difference for caregiving families.”
To learn more about the HOPE Act and encourage other SC Members of Congress to join Congressman Rice in sponsoring this bill, please visit http://bit.ly/JoinRepRice or contact Taylor Wilson at [email protected].
The Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information: www.alz.org/sc or 800-272-3900
