Washington State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In March 2014, Governor Jay Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 6124 (SSB 6124) calling on the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to convene an Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group (ADWG) to develop a Washington State Plan to address Alzheimer’s disease. The working group included professional and unpaid caregivers, people living with Alzheimer's disease, and other health care experts. The Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias was published in January 2016. Leading the charge to implement the plan is the Dementia Action Collaborative — a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington State for the growth of the dementia population.
Washington 2025 Policy Priorities
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.
Secure Continued Funding for the Dementia Services Coordinator
Washington is home to over 126,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s and 247,000 unpaid caregivers. As the population with dementia continues to increase, coordination between state agencies that administer programs for people living with dementia and their caregivers is crucial. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state legislators to appropriate $366,000 for the FY26-27 biennium to continue funding for the Department of Health’s sole full-time employee dedicated to dementia.
Washington State Advocacy Day
Join us in Olympia on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 to meet with your state legislators and urge them to take action to support individuals living with dementia in Washington! We will begin the morning with a training session on the Alzheimer’s Association’s legislative priorities and a light breakfast, and then go to the capitol to share our stories and grow momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Washington
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
126,700
people living with Alzheimer’s in Washington
247,000
Washingtonians are providing unpaid care
$547 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
3,644
deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021
20%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
216.7%
increase of geriatricians in Washington needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Washington
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 Washington policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.