Sponsor withdraws bill to require coverage for cognitive assessments after DHS fiscal estimate raises questions

Representative Julie Mayberry presented HB 1164 to require insurance coverage for certain cognitive assessments (for patients age 45+ identified as high risk). Supporters said earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias enables access to treatment, clinical trials and lifestyle interventions.

What supporters said - David Cook (Alzheimer's Association) said early detection is increasingly important because some newly approved therapies are aimed at very early disease stages and early diagnosis helps families plan and join trials. - Sponsor and advocates noted public‑health statistics showing rising prevalence of dementia and cited surveys indicating many people with worsening cognitive symptoms have not discussed them with a provider.

DHS fiscal estimate and sponsor response - A DHS representative said the code used for the cognitive assessment has a Medicare reimbursement rate that DHS applied to produce a range of estimated fiscal impacts. DHS provided a computable range: state share $3.7 million to $7.1 million (and $12.7M to $24.5M total computable impact), based on a Medicare rate of roughly $268 per assessment and different utilization scenarios. - Representative Mayberry said she had not previously seen that fiscal estimate and asked to continue discussion; she requested to pull the bill for further work so stakeholders could review the rate and the bill’s scope.

Committee action: The sponsor asked to pull HB1164 to permit further stakeholder discussions and the committee agreed. No final vote was taken on the bill.