Thanks to AIM’s leadership, Illinois became the first state in the nation to guarantee access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments for state employees. In August 2024, Senate Bill 3318 was signed into law after passing unanimously in both chambers. This landmark legislation required the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, along with necessary diagnostic testing. It also prohibits “step therapy,” ensuring patients receive timely access to care without unnecessary delays.

AIM worked closely with bipartisan champions and met with every member of key committees as the bill advanced. Advocates across Illinois took action throughout the session, urging lawmakers to support this critical measure.

Building on this success in 2025, AIM partnered with Illinois leaders to expand coverage beyond state employees by enacting Senate Bill 0126. This bipartisan legislation required all state-regulated insurance plans to cover FDA-approved Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments and diagnostic testing. Like the 2024 law, SB 0126 prohibits step therapy, meaning faster diagnoses, earlier access to treatment, and better outcomes for Illinois families.

“With this act, we are expanding access to diagnoses and cutting-edge therapies for residents across the state,” said Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton during the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum. “We are writing laws in partnership with the communities we seek to benefit and centering voices who have gone unheard for far too long."

AIM worked closely with bipartisan state champions in Illinois to pass this first-in-the-nation legislation. We are continuing our work in other states to ensure people across the country, not just those in Illinois, have access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s diagnostics and treatments.