WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren introduced legislation this week to provide access to colorectal cancer screening for all insured individuals. H.R.3060, the Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Act, is a crucial step in recognizing the importance of cancer screening and preventative health care. Congress previously has demonstrated support for colorectal screening by passing legislation providing coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. However, non-Medicare patients do not necessarily have the same protections. Ages 50 to 64 are a critical group when considering colon cancer screenings. As one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the U.S., colorectal cancer will kill over 52,000 this year alone.
“Cancer unfortunately has affected millions of lives across the United States," Boren said. “Coverage is required for many other equally important preventative cancer screenings across the nation. With early detection leading to a 90 percent survival rate, a simple and proven procedure could save the lives of so many (of our) loved ones,” Boren said.
Congressman Boren lost his mother to colon cancer nine years ago, and personally understands the need for early detection of the disease.
This success rate is made possible only through early identification and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. According to the Institute of Medicine, improved access to screening could reduce colon cancer deaths by up to 80 percent. During certain screening procedures, removal of pre-cancerous polyps can be accomplished. This limits the need for more expensive treatment during later stages of cancer.
“This investment in saving lives could also save the suffering felt by so many families," Boren said. “We have to look at the much larger financial burden created by late detection. It is increasingly more expensive to confront the cancer once it has developed, or if it has spread.”
Recent studies have shown the monthly cost per patient for full colorectal screening coverage is approximately $2.65, while the savings to the employer for medical and non-medical costs is almost $3.00. Once the patient has been diagnosed with the disease, the same monthly cost climbs to almost $5,000 per patient. Additionally, studies have also shown that doctors do not refer their patients for tests if those tests are not covered by insurance.
"Americans deserve these life saving medical benefits and should be able to count on these protections,” Boren said.
Currently, 22 states, including Texas and the District of Columbia, require coverage. Oklahoma does not currently require coverage of these cancer screenings. An effort earlier this year in the Oklahoma State Legislature to require coverage of these screenings in Oklahoma was unsuccessful.
Congressman Ralph Hall, R-Texas, has joined Congressman Boren in sponsoring this health care legislation. Congressman Hall is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one Committee where H.R. 3060 is expected to be referred.
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