Delays in access to an Alzheimer’s treatment for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S.

Prior research has predicted substantial wait times for access to a disease‐modifying Alzheimer’s treatment because of the combination of a highly prevalent disease and a complex diagnostic process. Access could be particularly limited for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S. in some states. Medicaid programs cover Medicare cost‐sharing requirements for their indigent members, but under the so‐called “lesser of” policy, states may elect to pay only up to the Medicaid rate which is typically less than the Medicare rate. In states with that policy, providers will only receive the lower Medicaid rate, which is known to reduce appointment availability. We estimate the effect of the policy on wait times.