Georgia House considers bill from Rep. Scott to broaden Alzheimer’s care insurance

A bill sponsored by State Rep. Sandra Scott in the Georgia House seeks to boost access to diagnostic tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and similar dementias, according to the Georgia State House.

Labeled HB1033, the measure was introduced Tuesday, Jan. 27, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Officially, it’s described as: ’Georgia Access to Healthcare for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias Act; enact.’

Below is a summary drawn from the actual bill text; explanatory details may be included for clarity.

The Georgia Access to Healthcare for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias Act would require most new or renewed health benefit plans from July 1, 2026, to cover diagnostic tests and medically necessary, FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments; state health benefit plans must comply by Jan. 1, 2027. The bill expands biomarker testing definitions to add diagnostic imaging and blood-based tests, prohibits step therapy and specific utilization controls that could inappropriately delay or deny treatment, and requires prompt access to in-network care or, if not available, out-of-network coverage at in-network rates with travel reimbursement. At least one covered diagnostic test per individual each year would require no cost sharing, and insurers must supply data for annual state reports covering claims, costs, and access measures.

Additional sponsors of the bill include Rep. Stacey Evans (Democrat-57th), Rep. Rhonda Burnough (Democrat-77th), and two others.

Scott has introduced 16 other bills this session, with one adopted to date.

She earned a BS from Florida A&M University in 1984.

Scott, a Democrat, assumed office in the Georgia State House in 2011 representing the 76th District after succeeding Mike Glanton.

In Georgia, the legislative process starts when a legislator, often in response to a constituent request, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. Once submitted to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, it receives a first reading, then heads to committee for detailed review. If approved in committee, it moves on for further readings, debate, and a vote. Bills must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee to reconcile differences, before going to the governor. During session, the governor has six days, or up to 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die), to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without action. The General Assembly convenes yearly for 40 days beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.