C3 Advocate Helps Pass Screening Legislation in Maine

Posted by Joe Arite on April 7th, 2008

Marilia Sardinha, C3 Advocate and Steering Committee Member played a vital role in the passing of LD 2109, An Act Relating to Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection.

“It was an honor to be a part of it and to know how it will help so many people”, said Marilia. Earlier in the year Marilia was asked by the local chapter of the America Cancer Society to testify during a hearing on the bill.

The Governor of Maine, John E. Baldacci, signed the bill into law on March 26th. The bill requires health insurance policies issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2009, to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. “We know that the five-year survival rate for those who detected their colon cancer early is 90 percent, but only 39 percent of colon cancers are diagnosed at this stage,” Governor Baldacci said. “That’s why this bill is so important.”

C3 would like to thank Marilia along with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Edward Mazurek (D-Rockland), for all of their hard work.

Click here to read LD 2109

Image of Marilia with Maine Governor John E. Baldacci used with permission.

Comments (2): Add a comment

2 Responses to “C3 Advocate Helps Pass Screening Legislation in Maine”

May 10, 2008 at 7:26 pm, Nancy Giesa said:

i had a malignant melanoma last year and when they did my 3 cancer screenings the xray and bloodwork came back fine however my rectal exam showed blood. i have been trying for over a year to get help getting a colonoscopy to make sure my cancer did not spread however noone will help me. i have no insurance and although its noones problem i have paid taxes for over 30years and believe that my taxes should help me. but no.. i am sick and tired of you people saying get screenings, but how do you supposed people are supposed to get further testing if needed if they have no funds? i cant get mainecare because i have no children. i was actually told to get “knocked up” then i could get help..
May 12, 2008 at 7:49 pm, Kate Murphy said:

Nancy, you don’t need a colorectal cancer screening test. Screening is for people who have no symptoms. If you have blood in your stool, you need a follow-up diagnosticcolonoscopy to be sure that you don’t have colon or rectal cancer.

The Patient Advocate Foundation may be able to help you find an insurance resource to pay for the exam.

But don’t asked for a screening colonoscopy. Ask for a diagnostic one.

Your comments are welcome. However, specific medical advice will not be provided. Generic QUESTIONS can be directed to our Answer Line team at http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/awareness/answer-line or by calling us at 1-877-427-2111 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern time, Monday – Friday. We urge you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions. Fight Colorectal Cancer is not responsible for the medical accuracy of any comments left by persons other than Fight Colorectal Cancer staff members. Fight Colorectal Cancer staff members monitor comments and may respond publicly where appropriate.

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