In March 2014, New Hampshire’s legislature established a Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia through the passage of HB 1572-FN. The Subcommittee includes representatives from care provider organizations, state agency officials, law enforcement officials, state legislators, caregivers, and other individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s. New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Sub-Committee Recommendations was published in 2013 and updated in 2015.

Improve Access to Biomarker Testing 

With the historic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in the early stages, early detection and diagnosis are even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible. Biomarkers offer one of the most promising paths to improve dementia detection, diagnosis and treatment. Yet these critical tests remain out of reach for many as insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatments. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Without this legislation, dementia diagnoses may take up to two years, increasing the long-term costs to the individual, family and the state.