In California , we continue to work on several key issues, but it also seems important to note the accomplishments of 2005.  As a result of many of you advocating for issues at the State level, the following key issues can be considered successes of the 2005 legislative year:

We delayed the expansion of Medi-Cal managed care until the State could more carefully incorporate the components that will better serve frail and cognitively impaired elders.

Our efforts won reinstatement of the State Alzheimer's Advisory Committee which will give an effective and visible voice on our issues at the State which will influence legislation affecting people with Alzheimer's disease.

Two key issues we will be following for this coming year are:

Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage began January 1, 2006 and at the end of December the United States Pharmocopeia changed the guidelines that would allow inclusion of all the Alzheimer's Medications on the new formulary, so it is possible that Plans will cover some, but not all the medications for Alzheimer's disease.  We are working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reverse or clarify this unfortunate change that may keep our family members from getting coverage for the medications they are taking to treat Alzheimer's disease.