In Iowa and across the United States, only about half of the people living with Alzheimer's disease have received a diagnosis. Among those who have been diagnosed, only 45 percent of them or their caregivers are even told about the diagnosis. Studies have shown that one of the reasons physicians do not diagnose Alzheimer's disease — or do not disclose a diagnosis once it is made — is because of the lack of time and financial resources necessary to provide information and support to patients and caregivers.
In fact, the way that physicians are currently reimbursed under Medicaid does very little to encourage the creation of a care and support plan after an initial Alzheimer's diagnosis. This leaves health care providers with very few options and patients with many unanswered questions.
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