U.S. Representative Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced the BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act of 2025, legislation to eliminate the 29-month waiting period that delays Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's before age 65.
About 200,000 Americans currently live with young-onset Alzheimer's disease, or YOAD. The condition affects roughly one in 1,000 people between ages 30 and 64.
"A diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's is devastating enough — families shouldn't be forced to wait months for the care they need now," Kim said. "This bill eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic delays so patients can access Medicare coverage immediately."
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said current waiting periods force patients to suffer without care. "This legislation would provide relief to patients, their families and caregivers," he said.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) called the 29-month waiting period "an insurmountable barrier to quality care, which is unacceptable."
The bill would amend the Social Security Act to waive the 29-month waiting period for Medicare coverage and disability insurance benefits for YOAD patients, ensuring immediate access.
Robert Egge, chief public policy officer for the Alzheimer's Association, said, "Alzheimer's does not wait, and neither should access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer's."
Jim Taylor, CEO of Voices of Alzheimer's, said, "No one should be denied timely access to care simply because of their age." His organization has endorsed the measure.
