What Medicare Covers for Alzheimer’s
What Medicare Covers for Alzheimer’s
Diagnosis and medical evaluation
Medicare helps cover the cost of diagnosing Alzheimer’s, including doctor visits, physical exams, and lab tests. While PET scans (used to detect early signs of the disease) are not always covered, they may be approved in certain cases.
DISCERN™ diagnostic test
In 2025, Medicare expanded coverage to include the DISCERN™ test—a minimally invasive skin biopsy that helps physicians distinguish Alzheimer’s from other types of dementia. With over 95% sensitivity and specificity, DISCERN™ gives families greater clarity and peace of mind early in the diagnostic journey.
DISCERN is fully covered by Medicare and can be paired with digital cognitive assessments such as BrainCheck™ for a comprehensive evaluation.
Treatment and follow-up care
Once diagnosed, Medicare continues to support patients with coverage for physician visits, care planning, and treatment management. This includes appointments with specialists and coordination with home health or hospice services when appropriate.
Mental health services
People with Alzheimer’s often experience depression, anxiety, and agitation. Medicare provides outpatient mental health coverage, including visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers. An annual depression screening is covered in full when conducted by a Medicare-approved provider.
Medical social services
Social workers may be assigned to support patients and caregivers by providing counseling and care coordination at home—services Medicare will cover when ordered by a physician.
Durable medical equipment
If needed, Medicare covers equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, or oxygen supplies, all of which help maintain quality of life at home.
Prescription medications
Medicare Part D plans must include drugs commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s, such as:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (to improve memory and judgment)
- Memantine (to support attention and reasoning)
- Additionally, plans must cover nearly all antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants, which are often used to manage behavioral symptoms.
Disease-modifying therapies
New treatments like Leqembi® (lecanemab) and Kisunla™ (donanemab), both approved by the FDA, target amyloid plaque buildup in early Alzheimer’s. These drugs are covered by Medicare when prescribed for eligible patients and reported through a CMS registry.
What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Despite this support, Medicare does not cover many services Alzheimer’s patients may eventually need:
- Long-term care, such as extended nursing home stays, assisted living, or adult day care
- Custodial care, including help with daily activities like bathing, eating, or dressing—unless paired with skilled care
- 24/7 supervision or in-home aides unless medically necessary and prescribed
These non-medical services are typically paid for out-of-pocket or through Medicaid or long-term care insurance, if available.
Empowering Early Action
Alzheimer’s is a complex condition—and early, accurate diagnosis is key to better planning and outcomes. With Medicare now covering options like DISCERN™, patients and families have more tools than ever to get the clarity they deserve.
Talk to your doctor about scheduling a DISCERN test or digital cognitive screening today.