In 1986, only about 14% of women in the U.S. were getting mammograms. The test existed. It worked. But Medicare didn’t cover it — and so it wasn’t part of a routine visit.

Then advocates spoke up. Survivors. Families. Communities that refused to stay quiet. Congress listened, and in 1991, Medicare began covering mammograms. By 2000, more than 70% of women were getting screened. Breast cancer death rates have dropped 44%.

The science alone didn’t save those lives. Coverage did.

Today, we have simple blood tests that can detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear. If approved by the FDA for screening — just like mammograms — Medicare still couldn’t cover them. Not because the science isn’t ready, but because, just like 40 years ago, Congress hasn’t yet given permission.

The ASAP Act is our mammogram moment. We’ve seen how this story can end before. This week, Rob walks through the parallel that makes the path forward unmistakable.

We’re also still in the middle of our two-week call campaign to move the ASAP Act. If you haven’t picked up the phone yet, this is the week. A few minutes of your time could be the difference for millions of families. 

Then take 60 seconds to contact your members of Congress.