Massachusetts State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview 

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In 2010, Governor Deval Patrick directed the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, in partnership with the Alzheimers Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter, to draft a state plan addressing Alzheimers disease within the state. In response, these two agencies convened an Advisory Committee that included families and individuals impacted by the disease as well as representatives from state and local health and human services agencies, councils on aging, academia, public safety agencies, and professional caregiver associations. Gathering public input, the Advisory Committee published the Massachusetts Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders State Plan in February 2012. Following 2018 legislation (Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018), a new State Alzheimers Plan was released in April 2021.

Massachusetts 2024 Policy Priorities

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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 is 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.

Care and Support Group
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Establish a Public Health Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s 

There are over 135,000 residents of Massachusetts living with Alzheimer’s. Numerous state agencies administer a variety of programs that are critical to people living with dementia and their families; however, these efforts are often siloed with multiple state agencies working separately from each other. This lack of coordination is hindering the ability of Massachusetts to evaluate the effectiveness of policy efforts that serve those living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to support legislation that would establish a Public Health Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s. Specifically, the legislation would create a Dementia Services Coordinator position at the Department of Health and Human Services, require the state to collect and report dementia-specific datasets, and fund an Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia public awareness campaign.

 

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Strengthen the Dementia Direct Care Workforce 

Alzheimer’s is a complex, degenerative brain disorder, and individuals living with the disease often require additional, specialized care. As the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia continues to grow in Massachusetts, the state must be prepared to meet their care needs. There are currently more than 82,000 home health and personal care aides in the State of Massachusetts, and by 2028 the state will need to increase the number of direct care workers by nearly 20% to meet the demand. The Alzheimer’s Association is requesting the Massachusetts Legislature incentivize careers and create pathways for advancement in the direct care workforce to meet the needs of Massachusetts residents.

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Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.

Contact Us

State Affairs Contact: Chelsea Gordon 

Phone: 617.393.2075

Email: [email protected]

135,200

people living with Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts

213,000

Bay Staters are providing unpaid care

$1.8 Billion

Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)

1,558

deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021

23%

in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia

62.1%

increase of geriatricians in Massachusetts needed to meet the demand in 2050