The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has announced that it will cover the cost of Leqembi, an experimental Alzheimer’s drug, for veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s who meet certain criteria, making it the first major insurer to do so since the drug’s approval.
The move comes after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected the Alzheimer’s Association’s request for unrestricted coverage of the drug.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease and How Does it Affect Veterans?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life.
While Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone, it is particularly prevalent in the aging population, and veterans are no exception.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 200,000 veterans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.
Veterans are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease due to a range of factors, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and exposure to environmental toxins such as Agent Orange.
TBI and PTSD are particularly prevalent among veterans of recent conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans with Alzheimer’s disease often face unique challenges in accessing care and support.
Many veterans with the disease may have limited financial resources and may be ineligible for certain healthcare programs, which can make it difficult to afford the cost of care.
Additionally, veterans with Alzheimer’s disease may be at risk of social isolation and may face challenges in navigating the complex healthcare system.
To address these challenges, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of services and programs for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
These services include specialized medical care, caregiver support programs, and respite care. The VA also operates a network of memory care clinics that offer comprehensive assessments and treatment plans for veterans with cognitive impairment.
Overall, Alzheimer’s disease is a significant health concern for veterans, and the VA’s efforts to provide specialized care and support for affected veterans are crucial in improving outcomes and quality of life for this population.
More About this Breaking News from the VHA
The recent announcement by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to cover the cost of an experimental Alzheimer’s drug called Leqembi for veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s is a significant move that has garnered attention in the healthcare industry.
The drug was approved earlier this year by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on data showing that it could moderately slow cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s by reducing levels of a protein called amyloid in the brain.
Leqembi’s manufacturers, Eisai and Biogen, have stated that the drug will be made available to veterans living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who meet agency criteria, as well as conditions on Leqembi’s label.
The VHA’s decision to cover the cost of the drug, which costs $26,500 per year, makes it the first major insurer to agree to pay for the drug since its approval.
While the move by the VHA has been praised by some as a step towards better care for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease, there are also concerns about the safety and efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs like Leqembi.
These drugs have been shown to produce serious side effects, and patients in the Leqembi trial reportedly experienced brain swelling and bleeding.
Additionally, the FDA’s approval of a previous anti-amyloid drug called Aduhelm in 2021 was controversial and raised questions about the agency’s review process.
The VHA’s decision to cover the cost of Leqembi comes after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected a request from the Alzheimer’s Association for unrestricted coverage of the drug, stating that officials need to see more data.
It remains to be seen how other insurers will respond to Leqembi’s approval and whether Medicare will eventually provide broader coverage of the drug.
Nonetheless, the VHA’s decision is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to improve care for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease.
What does the VHA Covering Leqembi Mean for VA Healthcare?
The VHA’s decision to cover the cost of Leqembi, an expensive Alzheimer’s drug, for veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, could have significant implications for veteran healthcare.
First, it means that veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who meet the VHA’s criteria can access an innovative treatment that has been shown to slow cognitive decline by reducing levels of a protein called amyloid in the brain.
This could improve the quality of life for veterans with the disease and potentially delay the need for long-term care.
Second, it sets a precedent for other healthcare providers and insurers to consider covering the drug in the future.
As the VHA is the largest health system in the United States, its decision to cover Leqembi could influence other providers to follow suit, potentially making the drug more accessible to a broader range of patients.
Third, the VHA’s decision highlights the importance of providing affordable access to healthcare for veterans, especially those with chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
By covering the cost of an expensive drug like Leqembi, the VHA is prioritizing the health and well-being of its veteran patients.
Overall, the VHA’s decision to cover the cost of Leqembi for veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease could have significant implications for veteran healthcare and potentially lead to greater access to innovative treatments for other chronic conditions.
Resources for Veterans Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Their Loved Ones
Here are some resources for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or who want information for a loved one with Alzheimer’s:
- Alzheimer’s Association: This organization provides a wealth of resources for those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving. They offer a 24/7 helpline and support groups to connect with others in similar situations.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides information on Alzheimer’s disease, as well as resources for caregivers and clinical trials for those with the disease. They also offer publications and videos on understanding Alzheimer’s and managing the disease.
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: This organization provides resources for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including information on legal and financial planning, caregiver support, and education on the disease.
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: This website, provided by the VA, offers resources and support for caregivers of veterans with Alzheimer’s disease, including educational materials, online courses, and support groups.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center: This center, provided by the National Institutes of Health, offers resources on Alzheimer’s disease for healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public, including clinical trials and research studies.
- Dementia Friendly America: This initiative aims to make communities more aware and supportive of those with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. They offer resources and training to help communities become more dementia-friendly and supportive for those with the disease.
- Eldercare Locator: This service, provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, helps connect older adults and their families with local services and resources, including those specific to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
These resources can provide valuable information and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including individuals with the disease, their families, and caregivers.
