Latest news with #Alzheimer'sAssociationIllinoisChapter
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois becomes first state to require that all insurance covers Alzheimer's treatment
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois is making a major expansion in patient care and access to new treatment for Alzheimer's, thanks to a new state law taking effect in July 2025. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that will require state health insurance to cover U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicine to slow down Alzheimer's and other related diseases. SEE ALSO: New Illinois laws and tax changes set to kick in on July 1, 2025 Some Alzheimer's patients will no longer have to go through step therapy — a process where insurers require patients to try and test less expensive drugs before covering the actual medication prescribed by their doctor. The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, which has been a forefront advocate for this, called the law 'groundbreaking.' 'For people living with Alzheimer's, slowing the progression of the disease changes someone's life — not only that individual's life, but the lives of their caregivers and all those around them, family and friends,' said David Olson, Director of State Affairs at the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. This coverage will also include diagnostic testing at the doctor's request. This ensures patients can access an accurate diagnosis before even starting the treatment. In 2020, there were 230,000 seniors with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia in the state, and according to the Illinois Department of Health, that number is expected to increase to 260,000 this year. With the rise in medical costs, insurance coverage is essential for most families. Bill creating Office of State Public Defender heads to Pritzker's desk The bill's sponsor in the House, Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago), said with dementia, time is always at the essence. 'When it comes to slowing Alzheimer's and other dementias, every moment counts,' Gill said. 'We can't waste time on insurance gimmicks like step therapy to save a few bucks, which is why I'm thankful for the strong advocacy and bipartisan support this legislation received.' Other private insurance plans will also begin covering FDA-approved treatment starting in 2027. 'We worked collaboratively with the insurance industry on this legislation,' Olson said. 'We were able to find and agree upon language here that expands access in a way that also isn't increasing cost to consumers.' Currently, there are two types of treatments for Alzheimer's approved by the FDA. One is Lecanemab, and the other is Donanemab. These will not end the disease, as there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's. This law makes Illinois the first state to require such treatment, and advocates said they hope other states will follow its lead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
HDMZ Unveils 'Your Brain Will Thank You' Campaign in Partnership With the Illinois Brain Health Project
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 15, 2025-- HDMZ, a leading life science communications and growth agency, today unveiled the debut of 'Your Brain Will Thank You,' a multichannel campaign to boost brain health and combat cognitive decline — including Alzheimer's disease and dementia — across Illinois. The campaign was co-developed with the Illinois Brain Health Project, a broad public health initiative designed to educate the public about safeguarding brain health, particularly for high-risk communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: HDMZ and the Illinois Brain Health Project launch 'Your Brain Will Thank You,' a lively campaign to promote brain health across Illinois through simple steps like walking or sleeping well. This year, more than 260,000 Illinois residents over 65 are projected to have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias — a 13% jump from 2024 — amid a worsening shortage of direct care providers in aging, disability, and public health networks. 1 This rising crisis highlights the urgent need for an engaging, accessible resource hub that equips all Illinois residents with the tools to combat cognitive decline through healthier choices and by addressing modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, and social isolation. 'This is exactly the kind of work that energizes our team, and we're proud to support health and science,' said Dillon Allie, president & CEO of HDMZ. 'The fact is, cognitive decline doesn't discriminate. It's a critical issue we need to build more awareness around, particularly in underserved communities.' Driving the multichannel campaign is a charming mascot — a friendly brain character — that shares simple, everyday actions people can take to keep their brains healthy. Whether it's increasing time spent with friends, walking outdoors, or picking healthier meals, the campaign encourages small changes that can have a big impact. 'Our creative insight was to remove as much friction as possible, making it easier for people to engage with practical tools and tips that help reduce their risk of cognitive decline,' added Allie. 'Many people tend to overlook brain health until it's too late. So we focused our campaign on creating an approachable, relatable experience that sparks action.' In addition to collaborating with HDMZ on this campaign, The Illinois Brain Health Project has forged key partnerships with state health leaders and nonprofit organizations — including the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, and AARP Illinois — to deliver critical brain health resources across the state. ''Your Brain Will Thank You' truly embodies the ethos of promoting healthy living,' said Delia Jervier, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. 'For the first time, studies have shown that we have the ability to reduce risk through lifestyle choices. Making sure all Illinois residents are equipped with this knowledge is vital. We're excited to be working with so many partners, including HDMZ. The team's incredible creativity and expertise shone through in this campaign, with characters and insights that make brain health feel urgent and relatable, thereby helping us connect more Illinois residents to vital resources to support brain health and thrive.' The campaign will be visible through online advertising, community outreach, public service announcements, and social media, all tailored for relevance and accessibility across Illinois's varied demographics. To learn more about how to take your brain health back into your hands, check out today. About HDMZ HDMZ is an integrated communications and growth company helping the world's leading life science organizations shape the future of science and health. Using evidence, innovation and imagination to tell their stories, we tackle complex challenges and drive growth. References: View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact John Kang Senior Vice President, Public Relations Email:[email protected] Phone: 309-310-4537 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER HEALTH OTHER SCIENCE RESEARCH MENTAL HEALTH FITNESS & NUTRITION SCIENCE SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING MANAGED CARE DIGITAL MARKETING OTHER COMMUNICATIONS GENERAL HEALTH NEUROLOGY PUBLIC RELATIONS/INVESTOR RELATIONS MARKETING HEALTH CONTENT MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA SOURCE: HDMZ Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/15/2025 05:00 AM/DISC: 04/15/2025 05:00 AM
