Nebraska State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In May 2015, Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB320, calling for the creation of a State Plan on Alzheimer’s disease. The legislation requires the Aging Nebraskans Task Force to assess existing resources in the state, provide recommendations to meet the growing needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s, and develop strategies to identify gaps in community services. The Task Force included representatives from state agencies, long-term care organizations, elder law, and community organizations as well as economists, seniors, caregivers, and aging advocates. The Nebraska State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias was published in June 2016. A State Plan Infographic is also available.
Nebraska 2025 Policy Priorities
Improve Access to Biomarker Testing
With the historic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in the early stages, early detection and diagnosis are even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible. Biomarkers offer one of the most promising paths to improve dementia detection, diagnosis and treatment. Yet these critical tests remain out of reach for many as insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatments. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Without this legislation, dementia diagnoses may take up to two years, increasing the long-term costs to the individual, family and the state.
Creation of a Dementia Dashboard
Regular collection of dementia-specific data is critical to analyzing trends over time. Through data collection and analysis, public health officials and state lawmakers can better understand the extent and impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementia in Nebraska. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state policymakers to create a dementia-specific dataset within the state's existing health care dashboard.
Nebraska State Advocacy Day
Join advocates for State Advocacy Day in Nebraska! This annual event will provide opportunities for advocates to share their stories, meet with state lawmakers and urge them to support our critical dementia-specific policy priorities.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Nebraska
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
35,100
people living with Alzheimer’s in Nebraska
40,000
Nebraskans are providing unpaid care
$372 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
687
deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021
18%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
265.2%
increase of geriatricians in Nebraska needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Nebraska
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how Nebraska policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.