Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies that target beta-amyloid plaques for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease if you meet certain criteria. Your doctor or other health care provider must confirm you have beta-amyloid plaques consistent with Alzheimer’s disease, and they must diagnose you with one of the following:
- Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease
- Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Medicare coverage of these monoclonal antibodies also requires your health care provider to collect evidence about how well these drugs work for a qualifying study or registry. The information your provider collects will help answer treatment questions and describe how well the medication works for you. Talk to your provider to find out if monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease are right for you.
Your costs in Original Medicare
- For Part B-covered monoclonal antibodies, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible .
- You may need scans and tests before or during treatment that might add to your costs. Talk to your provider for more information.
Things to know
- These medications may slow or delay symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, but they don't cure or reverse the disease.
- The drug is given intravenously (through a vein) in a provider’s office or other outpatient setting.
- If Part B doesn’t cover an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease, a Medicare drug plan might. Contact your plan for more information.