Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2026) – UsAgainstAlzheimer's and the LEAD Coalition today released an urgent new report alerting people living with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, their caregivers, and their affected families that recent changes to Medicaid and other federal health programs could jeopardize access to the care and support services they rely on. 

The report – Shifting Ground: What Recent Changes to Health Programs Mean for Those Living with Alzheimer's Disease – explains in clear, accessible terms how recent changes to Medicaid may ripple through the system and affect patients and families. Specifically, there may be changes implemented in states that substantially reduce access to home- and community-based services, nursing home care, healthcare coverage, and support for family caregivers. 

“People living with Alzheimer's disease rely on a complex network of services and supports that make it possible to remain safe, healthy, and connected to their communities,” said Catherine Patterson, Acting Chief Operating Officer of UsAgainstAlzheimer's. "We know that many families are unaware of how significantly recent changes in Medicaid, as well as home-based care programs, could affect their ability to access care and services. For people living with Alzheimer's and related disorders, even a temporary disruption in coverage, home-based services, or caregiver support can have immediate consequences for their health and safety. That is why this report is an essential tool for families and states to understand what is at stake and begin preparing now." 

The Shifting Ground report highlights the real-world implications of federal cuts to Medicaid funding that were enacted in 2025. For example, the reduction in funding could lead policymakers at the state level to make choices that create longer waiting lists for home- and community-based services, increase strain on family caregivers, and reduce access to nursing home care. Shifting Ground also warns that new reporting, verification, and eligibility requirements could create significant administrative barriers for vulnerable individuals and families, increasing the risk that people who remain eligible for assistance lose access to coverage or services because of paperwork burdens or difficulties navigating the system.

“People living with cognitive impairment and their loved ones who provide care are particularly vulnerable to interruptions in care and coverage and the last thing people with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder and their families need is more paperwork or red tape,” said Ian Kremer, Executive Director of the LEAD Coalition. "Losing access to home care, long-term services, and caregiver support can fundamentally alter a family's ability to care for a loved one living with cognitive impairment. States should take every available step to minimize administrative burdens and protect uninterrupted access to essential services. The decisions made in the coming months will have serious implications for patients and their families.”

UsAgainstAlzheimer's and the LEAD Coalition are encouraging individuals and families to:

• Learn how federal Medicaid changes may affect services and supports in their state.
• Stay informed about state implementation decisions and timelines.
• Ensure their state Medicaid program has current contact information on file.
• Contact state policymakers to encourage protection of home- and community-based services.
• Share their experiences with cognitive impairment, caregiving, and Medicaid to help inform policymaking.
   

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About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s


UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Our work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and equal access to treatments regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve our mission, we give voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations—the people who put the “Us” in UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

About LEAD Coalition


Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD Coalition) is the uniting voice of more than 280 member and allied organizations, along with over 500 university-based researchers. The LEAD Coalition works collaboratively through U.S. federal public policy to reduce risk for cognitive impairment, strengthen early detection and diagnosis, improve quality of life for affected individuals and families, and advance the social and biomedical sciences to prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately cure the underlying diseases and disorders.

Contact: Chantez Bailey, [email protected]