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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Congress seeks Medicare coverage for FDA-reviewed blood tests that screen for Alzheimer’s early, starting in 2028

Also known as: ASAP Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(3)
Retiree
Helps
Medicare
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would add Medicare coverage for certain tests that can spot Alzheimer’s and related dementias early, even before symptoms.
  • The covered tests must be cleared or approved by the FDA, so Medicare would not pay for unreviewed tests.
  • Coverage would start for tests given on or after January 1, 2028.
  • The bill focuses on blood-based testing and also allows similar tests (including some imaging or other sample types) if federal health officials decide they give comparable results.
  • If passed, this could make it easier for Medicare patients to access early screening without paying the full cost out of pocket.
HealthcareMedicare Medicaid

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Nov 20, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8278-8279)

Nov 20, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Before and around the start date in 2028

FDA-cleared/approved tests (and other “equivalent” tests) become the ones Medicare can cover under this new benefit

Which tests you can actually get covered will depend on whether the test meets FDA clearance/approval rules and whether federal health officials decide other tests are equivalent

Starting in 2028 and continuing after

Medicare payment rules apply to these screening tests

Labs and clinics will bill Medicare for the screening tests, which affects availability, where you can get tested, and whether providers choose to offer certain tests

Related News

2 articles
Alzheimer’s Association·3 months ago

Senate Moves to Break Barriers to Alzheimer’s Detection Tools

Advocacy group reaction to the introduction of the ASAP Act, describing how it would create a Medicare pathway for FDA-cleared/approved blood-based dementia screening tests.

+
Alzheimer’s Impact Movement·3 months ago

Senate Moves to Break Barriers to Detection Tools

AIM statement applauding the bipartisan introduction of the ASAP Act and emphasizing Medicare coverage pathways for FDA-reviewed blood biomarker screening tests.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

ASAP Act

Bill NumberS 3267
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8278-8279)

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(15)
D: 4R: 11

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.