BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6799

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Social Welfare

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Last Updated

2026-06-30T08:06:54Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Bridging Relief in Delayed Government Enrollment for Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act of 2025" (BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act of 2025) aims to provide faster access to federal disability and health benefits for people diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease. This condition refers to Alzheimer's that develops before age 65. The bill removes mandatory delays in eligibility, allowing earlier financial and medical support similar to treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease).

Key Provisions

• Elimination of Disability Benefits Waiting Period: Amends Section 223(a) of the Social Security Act to exempt individuals with young-onset Alzheimer's from the standard 5-month waiting period before receiving disability insurance benefits. Benefits can start immediately upon approval, treating this condition like ALS.
• Applies to applications filed more than 5 months before the bill's enactment date, allowing retroactive relief.
• Waiver of Medicare Waiting Period: Amends Section 226(h) of the Social Security Act to remove the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage (the government health insurance program for people with disabilities) for those with young-onset Alzheimer's.
• Takes effect for benefit months starting after the bill's enactment.

The Social Security Commissioner will define "young-onset Alzheimer's" using the Program Operations Manual System (a guide for processing claims) or a similar document.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Under current law, most people applying for Social Security disability benefits must wait 5 months after becoming disabled to receive payments, and an additional 24 months for Medicare eligibility. ALS is a rare exception with no waiting periods.
• This bill expands that exception to include young-onset Alzheimer's, creating parity in access without altering rules for other conditions.
• No broader changes to Social Security or Medicare eligibility criteria are made; the focus is solely on these waiting periods.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: People with young-onset Alzheimer's (and their families) could gain quicker financial stability through disability payments and earlier Medicare coverage for treatments, reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving quality of life. This may help an estimated 200,000 Americans under 65 affected by the disease.
• On Government Agencies: The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would process claims faster for this group, potentially increasing short-term administrative workload and program costs (e.g., higher disability payouts and Medicare enrollments). Long-term savings might occur if early intervention reduces overall healthcare needs.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill addresses domestic U.S. social welfare programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Individuals diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's and their caregivers, who face early career disruptions and high medical expenses.
• Government Entities: SSA (handles disability claims) and CMS (manages Medicare), which must update procedures and definitions.
• Healthcare Providers: Doctors and facilities treating Alzheimer's, who may see increased Medicare reimbursements sooner.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, which supported similar bills, could advocate for expansions to other diseases.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill relies on the SSA Commissioner's authority to define conditions via manuals, avoiding new regulations. It could face challenges if definitions are seen as overly broad, but it aligns with precedents for ALS exceptions under the Social Security Act.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; it promotes equal protection by addressing a specific disability without discriminating against other groups.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for Alzheimer's research and care, potentially influencing future expansions of disability exceptions. It may increase federal spending on entitlement programs, sparking debates on fiscal responsibility, but focuses on a vulnerable population without controversial mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Bridging Relief in Delayed Government Enrollment for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (3 pages)