Illinois State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
Illinois publishes an updated Alzheimer’s state plan every three years pursuant to the Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Act (410 ILCS 405). The Act charged the Illinois Department of Public Health to create an Advisory Committee of Alzheimer’s disease researchers, professional caregivers, members of advocacy organizations, people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. In 2012, the Act was amended to drive the next iteration of the state plan toward dementia-capability. The state Alzheimer’s plan was updated in September 2020 and most recently in January 2023. In the newest state plan, recommendations are detailed for new policies to address the statewide response to Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Illinois 2025 Policy Priorities
Expand Access to Alzheimer’s Treatments for State-Regulated Private Insurance Plans
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Alzheimer’s treatments that slow the progression of the disease, state governments have a duty to ensure access to these treatments in Medicaid and other state programs, as well as private insurance plans regulated by the state. After becoming the first state in the nation to require treatment coverage in state employee health insurance plans, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation requiring coverage in state-regulated private insurance plans to continue the progress toward greater access to treatment.
Illinois State Advocacy Day
Join us for State Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 5, 2025! Advocates from across the state will visit legislators at the Capitol to urge support for policy priorities that support Illinoisans impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Additionally, advocates across the state will have the ability to take action to strengthen the impact of those in Springfield through other opportunities. Register to make your voice heard!
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Illinois
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
250,600
people living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois
311,000
Illinoisans are providing unpaid care
$1.8 Billion
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
4,025
deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in 2021
18%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
143.9%
increase of geriatricians in Illinois needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Illinois
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how Illinois policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.