Medicare families can shape the 2026-2035 National Alzheimer's Plan by commenting on care gaps, drug access, and caregiver support needs. The immediate participation questions are how to submit comments, attend public meetings, and ask clinics about Medicare eligibility for treatment and care programs.
The National Plan for Alzheimer's and related dementias is the federal roadmap for research, care, and support. HHS says in its 2025 National Plan update it will seek 2026 input from people with dementia, caregivers, providers, and partners. That input will refocus goals and set the framework for 2026-2035.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Official resources:
- Register through CMS’s official page — Use this page to review requirements and register directly.
- Register through Hhs’s official page — Use this page to review requirements and register directly.
Table of Contents
- What is shaping the next decade of the plan?
- How can families submit input?
- What should you ask about Medicare drug coverage?
- What should you ask about GUIDE dementia care?
What is shaping the next decade of the plan?
Under the National Alzheimer's Project Act, HHS maintains the National Plan with input from the public-private Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services. HHS describes the Council as the standing venue where federal officials and nonfederal members review progress and hear public concerns. HHS said the Advisory Council's Feb.
9, 2026 meeting would review federal work since 2011 and discuss a plan for updating the National Plan for 2026-2035. That agenda makes the public meeting a practical place to raise participation questions. Families can use it to ask what topics HHS wants next and how comments will be used.
How can families submit input?
HHS lists listening sessions and a Request for Information to inform the 2026 update on its National Plan documents page. HHS directed written comments to [email protected].
HHS scheduled the RFI notice for Federal Register publication on July 24, 2026. For a clear submission, keep it short and tied to lived decisions:.
- State who you are: person with dementia, caregiver, or provider
- Name one barrier: diagnosis wait, drug access, care coordination, or respite
- Say what should change in the 2026-2035 goals
What should you ask about Medicare drug coverage?
CMS explained in its broader Medicare coverage statement for Leqembi that broader coverage followed FDA traditional approval on July 6, 2023. CMS requires Medicare enrollment, a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, documented amyloid pathology, and a prescription from a registry-participating clinician.
The Alzheimer's Association summary of CMS policy adds a clinic-level check for Leqembi and Kisunla. Coverage depends on the physician entering patient data in a CMS-approved registry such as ALZ-NET or the CMS-facilitated registry. Before a referral, families can ask:.
- Do you diagnose mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia with amyloid testing?
- Does our prescribing clinician participate in a CMS-approved registry?
- Who enters the registry data and tracks follow-up?
What should you ask about GUIDE dementia care?
CMS says on its GUIDE Model page the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model launched July 1, 2024 with 390 organizations nationwide. It pays for dementia care coordination plus caregiver education and respite. It serves only beneficiaries cared for by a participating GUIDE dementia program.
CMS limits GUIDE eligibility in its model materials. GUIDE generally requires Original Medicare Parts A and B with Medicare as primary payer. It excludes Medicare Advantage, PACE, hospice election, or long-term nursing-home residence. Ask the clinic whether it is a participating GUIDE program and whether your Medicare enrollment meets those rules.
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