To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain cognitive impairment detection in the Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical examination.

# Summary of HR 3501 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 3501 would require Medicare to include cognitive impairment screening as part of two routine health visits that seniors receive: the annual wellness visit and the initial preventive physical examination. Essentially, doctors would be required to check for signs of cognitive decline (memory loss, confusion, or thinking problems) during these standard checkups that Medicare already covers. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This bill would primarily affect Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older) and their healthcare providers. By adding cognitive screening to existing wellness visits, the bill aims to detect early signs of conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia at routine appointments, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

No additional separate doctor visits would be required—the screening would be integrated into visits seniors already have. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3501 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet moved to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Linda T. Sánchez (D-California).