Alzheimer’s advocates from across North Carolina continue to drive meaningful progress on both state and federal policy priorities. Their dedication has strengthened legislative momentum and expanded access to critical resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Below is a snapshot of the Alzheimer’s Association’s recent advocacy efforts in North Carolina, which are shaping public policy at both the state and federal levels, and ways you can take action on important legislative priorities.
State:
The North Carolina General Assembly is not currently in session. Members will periodically return to Raleigh through the end of 2025 to continue movement on a full budget. This means that the work to move House Bill 120, which would increase respite care funding for Project C.A.R.E., and House Bill 567, which would ensure access to biomarker testing, continues. We encourage you to use your voice on our access to biomarker testing campaign by sending a message to your Senator about the importance of biomarker testing and urging their support on H567.
While the NC General Assembly is still considering Alzheimer’s legislation, this summer the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Medicaid took decisive action on a key priority that will help advance diagnosis and care planning conversations for people experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline. CPT Code 99483, which reimburses providers for cognitive assessment and care planning visits, is now covered by NC Medicaid, allowing more North Carolinians to access a dementia diagnosis. We applaud NC Medicaid and DHHS leadership for taking action on this Alzheimer’s Association policy priority.
As the Alzheimer’s Association develops our state policy priorities for the coming legislative season, we were excited to join the Dementia Capable NC Coalition Meeting in Chapel Hill. During this meeting, key leaders in dementia and aging care came together to identify key areas of focus for the upcoming year. The Alzheimer’s Association looks forward to being an integral partner in the Dementia Capable Coalition’s efforts in addressing North Carolina’s growing dementia crisis.
Federal:
This fall, advocates continue to urge lawmakers to support $113 million in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the NIH, along with $35 million for the continued implementation of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Advocates are also encouraging members of Congress to cosponsor the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment in Diverse Alzheimer’s Providers to Transform (AADAPT) Act. We invite you to join our advocates in asking their representatives to support these pieces of legislation by clicking the links above.
Across North Carolina, our advocates are turning priorities into progress. In August, District 5 advocates Steve Dozier, Karen Barnes, and Jason Miller met with Congresswoman Foxx’s office to emphasize the importance of continued support for Alzheimer’s research in helping their communities. Also, upcoming in November, our District 11 advocates have scheduled a “Chat with Chuck”, a meeting with Congressman Chuck Edwards to discuss our Federal Priorities and what his support would mean to the Alzheimer’s Association Community as a whole.
Letters to the Editor:
Advocates across multiple districts have had Letters to the Editor published in their local newspapers, ensuring Alzheimer’s remains a priority throughout the FY26 appropriations process. Every published letter keeps Alzheimer’s disease visible in local media and with congressional offices during the 2026 appropriations cycle. Help us amplify our requests for research funding by writing a Letter to the Editor. Fill out this form, and we will send a template and information to help you share your story.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s:
With the start of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s season, we are grateful to our congressional partners who continue to show support for those living with Alzheimer’s. When schedules kept members away, staff from Congressman Murphy’s and Congressman Hudson’s offices joined us at Walks to cheer on participants and listen to caregivers. While not able to participate in person, we extend our appreciation to Congresswoman Ross, Congressman Murphy, Congresswoman Foushee, Congresswoman Foxx, Congressman Harris, Congressman Hudson, Senator Budd, and Senator Tillis for sharing recorded messages and statements of support for participants in their local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Click here to view the Congressional videos on our Advocacy Facebook Group.
Join us:
We applaud our advocates for their sustained leadership and dedication over the past few months. As we enter our Cards for Congress season, your continued advocacy will be essential to our progress. Want to get more involved? Learn how you can take action at the state or federal level by visiting alzimpact.org/volunteer.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 