Alzheimer's Blood Tests Face Medicare Coverage Limits

Medicare covers tau protein blood tests for Alzheimer's disease only after patients report symptoms. The tests are not covered when used to detect the disease before symptoms become noticeable.

2 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's-related dementia. This figure represents roughly one in nine people in that age group. Blood tests that detect tau proteins can identify markers of the disease before symptoms appear. Infusion treatments that reduce amyloid buildup in the brain are also available.

Early detection allows patients to make lifestyle changes and begin therapies that may slow symptom progression.

The Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention

Act of 2025 would require Medicare to cover tau protein blood tests for screening purposes. Medicare would also need to establish a coverage pathway for FDA-approved Alzheimer's therapies. A poll released May 19 showed strong public support for the proposed legislation and expanded access to new treatments.

A 2022 national coverage determination currently limits Medicare payment for the infusion treatments unless physicians participate in an approved registry. Many providers, particularly in rural areas, lack capacity to meet the registry requirements.