Congress is back from the long August break, and the talk in Washington continues to be focused on health care reform. Alzheimer’s Association staff is maintaining their efforts on Capitol Hill to ensure that Alzheimer priorities are included in the debate.

Younger-onset Alzheimer’s – Update

As noted last month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) held a hearing in July to examine access to Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) for people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s (those under age 65).

The hearing was a big step forward in the process to include people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s to the Compassionate Allowances Initiative, speeding up the process to access benefits. Check out the Association statement about the Initiative here. SSA is reviewing its findings from the hearing and is looking for additional input from other stakeholders.

What Can I Do Now?

SSA is running an open comment period where the public can provide input into this process. We want them to hear your story. Click here to submit a letter of support for adding younger-onset Alzheimer’s to the Compassionate Allowances list.

Please remember to add your personal comments in the letter but do not include your Social Security number in any email correspondence.

Advocates in Action

Advocates across the country met with their members of Congress to gain their support of our legislative priorities. They visited with members of Congress and their staff at district offices, town halls and other local events. Check out the highlights and read more about the August activities on our blog.

He participates in advocate trainings and forums and his latest effort is starting new advocate recruitment in one of the chapter’s underserved counties.

Bill arranged and attended Central Ohio’s in-district Congressional visits in August to encourage members of Congress to support long-term care services and supports with health care reform and gain support for The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S. 1492/H.R. 3286).

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act

As a result of efforts of advocates like you in August, this bipartisan legislation now has 66 co-sponsors! Check out the list of our co-sponsors here. Don’t see your member of Congress listed? E-mail them to sign on now!

The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act calls for an increase in Alzheimer’s disease research funding and provides support for nearly 10 million Alzheimer caregivers.