California Launches ‘Dementia Care Aware’ Statewide Initiative To Train Primary Care Professionals On Dementia Screening

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched a new dementia screening tool for use in primary care settings, and a statewide initiative, Dementia Care Aware, to train primary care professionals on using the new cognitive assessment. The state has also created a warmline to help primary care professionals successfully screen for dementia in older adults (age 65 and older).

California Senate Bill 48 of 2021 expanded the Medi-Cal schedule of benefits to include an annual cognitive health assessment for Medi-Cal members who are 65 years of age and older if they are otherwise ineligible for a . . .