[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RELIEF FOR EARLY ON-SET ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

  (Mrs. KIM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. KIM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, the BRIDGE 
for Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act.
  Right now, Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's after age 65 receive 
immediate Medicare coverage, but those diagnosed before 65, despite 
facing the same devastating disease, are forced to wait nearly 29 
months for the exact same care.
  For the 200,000 Americans living with young-onset Alzheimer's, that 
delay is devastating.
  The BRIDGE for YOAD Act fixes this gap by eliminating the Medicare 
waiting period for those with young-onset Alzheimer's. Early access to 
care matters. This disease progresses very quickly. Many patients lose 
the ability to work or support themselves long before coverage kicks 
in, while families are left to shoulder an additional $20,000 a year in 
out-of-pocket costs.
  Congress has acted before for rapidly progressing diseases like ALS. 
We should do the same here. As one of my constituents put it, this bill 
puts health and dignity first.

  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the BRIDGE for YOAD Act.

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