Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Coverage Act of 2026
Opens Medicare enrollment to eligible people with early-onset Alzheimer’s and makes a supplemental policy available.
In two House committees since Oct. 5, 2026, 3 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 5, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
People with early-onset Alzheimer’s may need health coverage before they qualify for Medicare based on age. The bill would let some of them enroll in Medicare and receive Parts A, B and D benefits. It would also provide access to a Medicare supplemental policy and require updated Medicare information.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Opens Medicare enrollment to eligible people
A person diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease could enroll if they are not already entitled to or eligible for Medicare Part A or B but would qualify if they were 65. The law would provide the same Medicare benefits and protections as for people covered by Parts A, B and D, including access to Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage and the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman.
- Makes a Medigap policy available
A person eligible for the new Medicare option could apply for a Medicare supplemental policy during the six months after enrolling. Each state would have to make at least one such policy available to these enrollees, and the Secretary would ask the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to update related standards.
- Sets enrollment timing and premiums
The enrollment period would last three months, beginning on the first day of the month after the person is first diagnosed; the Secretary would also provide special enrollment periods similar to those for Part B. Coverage would begin on the first day of the month after enrollment, and enrollees would owe the applicable Part A, B and D premiums as if they were 65.
- Updates Medicare information
The Secretary of Health and Human Services would update Medicare materials to explain the new eligibility option.
The practical difference would be a route into Medicare for some people with early-onset Alzheimer’s before they qualify based on age. The bill would also connect that coverage to Medicare prescription drug benefits and supplemental coverage options.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 5, 2026HOUSEOCT 5, 2026By Rep. DavidsReferred to Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesOCT 5, 2026ENERGY & COMMERCE · WAYS & MEANS NOWOCT 5, 2026In committee for 3 daysNo hearing yet
- 3 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 3, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
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