Cognitive impairment detection benefit in the Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical examination

(a) Annual wellness visit (1) In general Section 1861(hhh)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(hhh)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: (D) Detection of any cognitive impairment that shall— (i) be performed using 1 of the cognitive impairment detection tools identified by the National Institute on Aging as meeting its criteria for selecting instruments to detect cognitive impairment in the primary care setting; and (ii) include documentation of the tool used for detecting cognitive impairment and results of the assessment in the individual’s medical record.. (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to annual wellness visits furnished on or after January 1, 2026. (b) Initial preventive physical examination (1) In general Section 1861(ww)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ww)(1)) is amended by striking agreement with the individual, and and inserting agreement with the individual, detection of any cognitive impairment as described in subsection (hhh)(2)(D), and. (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to initial preventive physical examinations furnished on or after January 1, 2026.