Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
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The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is committed to improving detection, care, caregiver support, and data analysis for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have Medicare and/or Medi-Cal coverage.
The Department's efforts are part of the Governor's Master Plan for Aging and the recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Preparedness.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new voluntary nationwide model – the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model that aims to support people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. Please visit the CMS webpage for more information on the GUIDE model.
Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among California Medi-Cal Beneficiaries
This workbook presents the counts and percentage of Medi-Cal beneficiaries diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as of March 2021. The data includes both dually eligible beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare and Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal only beneficiaries.
Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among California Medi-Cal Beneficiaries as of March 2021
Dementia Care Aware
Dementia Care Aware provides a statewide standard of care for dementia screening in California, through equity-focused, culturally appropriate training for primary care providers across all payers, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other coverage.
The Dementia Care Aware Warmline is available to health care providers at 1-800-933-1789, from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The warmline offers education and decision-making consultation for clinicians and primary care teams in California, covering topics related to dementia screening, assessment, diagnosis, management, and care planning. Consultants are available to answer provider questions that may arise during any stage of dementia care, how to make systems changes in their practice, and related medical legal considerations.
Dementia Care Aware Cognitive Health Assessment (CHA) - 1494 F
As a part of SB 48, DHCS is required to report, biannually, the utilization and payment of CHA's. DHCS released the Cognitive Health Assessment Utilization Report on December 29, 2023.
Please visit the Dementia Care Aware webpage for more details.
Please visit the Dementia Care Aware webpage regarding the new CMS GUIDE model.
Medi-Cal Annual Cognitive Health Assessment
California Senate Bill (SB) 48 (Chapter 484, Statutes of 2021) expands the Medi-Cal schedule of benefits to include an annual cognitive health assessment for Medi-Cal Members who are 65 years of age and older if they are otherwise ineligible for a similar assessment as part of an annual wellness visit through the Medicare Program. The annual cognitive health assessment should identify signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, consistent with the standards for detecting cognitive impairment under the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the recommendations by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). To receive payment for this assessment, Medi-Cal Providers must complete training through Dementia Care Aware, and use validated tools recommended by DHCS.
Caregiver Resource Centers
The 11 nonprofit California Caregiver Resource Centers serve family caregivers of adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions, degenerative diseases, or traumatic brain injury. Find your local Caregiver Resource Center here.
Dementia Care Specialists in Medicare Medi-Cal Plans
Medicare Medi-Cal plans offer integrated care across Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits for dually eligible beneficiaries in seven counties. These plans include dementia care specialists trained in understanding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, symptoms, and progression; understanding and managing behaviors and communication problems; caregiver stress and its management; and community resources for enrollees and caregivers.
The specific requirement for health plans can be found in the Care Coordination Requirements section of the Dual Eligible Special Needs Policy Guide, posted on this page.
