December 17, 2025
Mrs. Kim (for herself, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Bacon, and Mrs. Foushee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
To amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting periods for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with young-onset Alzheimer’s, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Bridging Relief in Delayed Government Enrollment for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025
or the BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Elimination of waiting period for individuals with young-onset Alzheimer’s
(a) In general
Section 223(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 423(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), in the matter following subparagraph (E), by inserting or young-onset Alzheimer’s (as defined by the Commissioner through the Program Operations Manual System or a successor document)
after amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting or (iii)
after clause (ii)
.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to applications for disability insurance benefits filed after the date that is 5 months before the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 3. Waiver of 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of individuals with young-onset Alzheimers’s
(a) In general
Section 226(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 426(h)) is amended by inserting or young-onset Alzheimer’s (as defined by the Commissioner through the Program Operations Manual System or a successor document)
after amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply to benefits for months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.