ARKANSAS, USA — An Arkansas legislator has introduced a bill that would mandate state health insurance plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases for public school and state employees.
"It is an exciting time, and we certainly want to thank all of the advocates who helped open up the doors for the moment that we're in," David Cook with the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said.
The proposed coverage, offered through the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program, would take effect starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Coverage would include diagnostic testing to determine appropriate treatments, as well as prescribed treatments or medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to slow or manage the disease.
"This legislation specifically provides coverage for all FDA, both current and future drugs that may be approved," Cook said. "Currently, the State Employee Benefits Division has denied coverage for these treatments, and so this legislation aims to fix that and also continue the mission of the association, which is to ensure equitable access to these treatments as they come out."
When 5NEWS spoke to Cook earlier this month, he said his organization had several requests ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Cook emphasized that Alzheimer's is a bipartisan issue, resonating personally with many lawmakers.
"What we are learning as we have conversations with lawmakers is that many of them feel it personally," he said. "They've either lost a family member, or they are caring for someone who has a diagnosis. And so it's it's not a red or blue issue. It is certainly bipartisan. It touches everybody, and it's one thing that we often say brings lawmakers together."
After pushing these issues for several years, Cook said lawmakers are starting to pay attention and he anticipates other legislation will be filed in the coming days that deals with early detection.
"People from both sides of the aisle and all across the state, continue to support and talk about Alzheimer's and dementia-related issues, so the association certainly has felt the support from the legislature," Cook said. "It was our time for us to make this step."
HB1055 was filed by one of the bill's sponsors, Arkansas Rep. Julie Mayberry, on Nov. 26. Bill filing began on Nov. 15 for the legislative session on Jan. 13, 2025.
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