The Alzheimer’s Association Wyoming Chapter, working with the Wyoming Division of Aging and a group of key stakeholders at the direction of Governor Matt Mead, developed the first Wyoming State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia. Established in 2015, the Work Group hosted town halls across the state to receive public input as part of their comprehensive, statewide needs assessment. Current members of this group include representatives from hospital systems, physician groups, long-term care providers, the University of Wyoming Center on Aging, the Division of Aging within the Department of Health and the governor's office. The final plan was released in October 2018 and serves as an essential guide for policymakers in Wyoming.

Medicaid Reimbursement for Care Planning and Cognitive Assessments

Early intervention can provide individuals living with dementia more time to plan for the future, adopt lifestyle changes, participate in clinical trials, and live more fully with a higher quality of life for as long as possible. Medicare beneficiaries in Wyoming have access to a billing code that covers cognitive assessments and care planning. However, individuals under 65 relying on Medicaid do not have access to this critical service. With current promising treatments only effective in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, getting an early diagnosis is more important than ever. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state policymakers to add CPT Code 99483 to the state Medicaid plan.