ASAP Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
- Committees
- Finance Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 20, 2025
Bottom line
The ASAP Act expands Medicare coverage to include early detection blood-based screening tests for Alzheimer's and related dementias, aiming to facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Social Security Act to mandate Medicare coverage for blood-based screening tests designed to detect Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in pre-symptomatic and early stages. It specifies that these tests must be FDA-approved and can include genomic sequencing blood tests or other equivalent tests determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with coverage beginning January 1, 2028.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that providing Medicare coverage for early detection screening tests will enable earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, allowing patients and their families to plan for care, access available treatments sooner, and participate in clinical trials. They contend that early detection can improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs by facilitating proactive disease management.
Opponents contend
Critics may raise concerns about the potential costs associated with widespread screening, especially given the current limitations of effective treatments for pre-symptomatic or early-stage Alzheimer's. They might also question the clinical utility of broad screening without clear pathways for intervention, potentially leading to increased patient anxiety and unnecessary follow-up procedures without significant health benefits.
The bill is very concise and can be read and understood quickly by an informed reader.
Section 2(a)
Medicare Coverage for Early Detection Screening Tests
This provision adds "Alzheimer's disease and related dementias early detection screening tests" to the list of services covered by Medicare. It defines these tests as those cleared or approved by the FDA, furnished on or after January 1, 2028, and specifically includes genomic sequencing blood or blood product tests, as well as other equivalent tests determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that covering these tests will allow for earlier diagnosis, which is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of emerging treatments and enabling patients and families to make informed decisions about future care and lifestyle adjustments. They believe it aligns Medicare with advancements in medical science.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that widespread screening for conditions with limited curative treatments could lead to increased patient anxiety, potential overdiagnosis, and significant healthcare costs without a clear benefit pathway. They may also express concerns about the readiness of the healthcare system to provide adequate follow-up care and counseling for a large number of newly diagnosed individuals.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the potential benefits of early disease detection and intervention against the costs of widespread screening and the current limitations of treatments for pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's. It also involves a tension between broad access to new technologies and ensuring that such access is clinically meaningful and cost-effective.
Section 2(b)
Payment for Screening Tests
This section clarifies that the newly covered Alzheimer's disease and related dementias early detection screening tests will be included under the existing Medicare payment system for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. This ensures that once covered, these tests will be reimbursed appropriately by Medicare.