Dear Dr. SerVaas: A cousin read in the Sept./Oct. 2002 "Medical Mailbox" about Alzheimer's treatment being covered by Medicare. How can we get more information on this? His wife is receiving the medication, and it is very costly.

Marcia Nelson
via e-mail

Dear Reader: On September 1, 2001, Medicare contractors were informed they can no longer automatically deny claims based solely on the Alzheimer's diagnosis. Previously, most Medicare computers were programmed to reject all claims related to the memory-robbing condition.

"These instructions clarify that Medicare would provide payment for specific speech, occupational and rehabilitation therapies," said Tom Scully, an administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "More specifically, Medicare may pay doctors and other healthcare providers for neuro-diagnostic testing, medication management, and psychological therapy when provided to patients with Alzheimer's disease."

Medicare plans in some states cover prescription drugs. For questions about coverage, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov.