SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois is making a major expansion in patient care and access to new treatment for Alzheimer’s, thanks to a new state law taking effect in July 2025.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that will require state health insurance to cover U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicine to slow down Alzheimer’s and other related diseases.

Some Alzheimer’s patients will no longer have to go through step therapy — a process where insurers require patients to try and test less expensive drugs before covering the actual medication prescribed by their doctor.

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, which has been a forefront advocate for this, called the law “groundbreaking.”

“For people living with Alzheimer’s, slowing the progression of the disease changes someone’s life — not only that individual’s life, but the lives of their caregivers and all those around them, family and friends,” said David Olson, Director of State Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.

This coverage will also include diagnostic testing at the doctor’s request. This ensures patients can access an accurate diagnosis before even starting the treatment.

In 2020, there were 230,000 seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in the state, and according to the Illinois Department of Health, that number is expected to increase to 260,000 this year. With the rise in medical costs, insurance coverage is essential for most families.

The bill’s sponsor in the House, Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago), said with dementia, time is always at the essence.

“When it comes to slowing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, every moment counts,” Gill said. “We can’t waste time on insurance gimmicks like step therapy to save a few bucks, which is why I’m thankful for the strong advocacy and bipartisan support this legislation received.”

Other private insurance plans will also begin covering FDA-approved treatment starting in 2027.

“We worked collaboratively with the insurance industry on this legislation,” Olson said. “We were able to find and agree upon language here that expands access in a way that also isn’t increasing cost to consumers.”

Currently, there are two types of treatments for Alzheimer’s approved by the FDA. One is Lecanemab, and the other is Donanemab. These will not end the disease, as there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s.

This law makes Illinois the first state to require such treatment, and advocates said they hope other states will follow its lead.