H.R. 4120 has 37 cosponsors, but your help is needed to push the number to 100 by the end of September.
Colorectal cancer screening is covered under Medicare without cost sharing (or co-pay), but if a Medicare patient undergoes a screening colonoscopy during which a polyp or other tissue is removed, that patient is required to pay. This policy is unfair, confusing and deters individuals from receiving a test that could save their lives.
Earlier this year, H.R. 4120, the ‘‘Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012,” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA). H.R. 4120 would waive a Medicare beneficiary’s coinsurance for a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy, regardless of whether a polyp or tissue is removed during the test.
Colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the procedure, thereby making it a unique preventive service. Enactment of H.R. 4120 would ensure that screening colonoscopy is free to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of whether a polyp or other tissue is removed.
Please take a moment to contact your representative and ask him or her to cosponsor H.R. 4120.
September 22, 2012 at 8:59 am, Deborah K said:
Done. Rep. Bill Pascrell and the late Rep. Donald Payne as well as Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez (all D, NJ) have consistently signed and supported relevant legislation.
It is disheartening to read the lists and posts reporting representatives who will not sign on to curing colorectal and all cancers. They are not just denying life and cancer cure research but are not preventing the myriad of side effects and other concerns that stem from the diagnosis.
FCRC continues to do the work; I hope everyone will, including our elected government representatives, at all levels.