State Policy
Impact
To date, the Catalyst Program has supported 19 states in advancing colorectal cancer policy and continues to grow. The next round of grants for the 2026-2027 cycle is closed.
Catalyst grantees have helped pass legislation in Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia to increase access to colorectal cancer screening. Other achievements include:
- California: Built a coalition to add CRC screening to Medicaid quality measures.
- Louisiana: Partnered with health insurers to expand screening access in the state.
- Illinois: Successfully advocated for funding for colorectal cancer screening in the state budget.
What Catalyst grants support
The Catalyst Program supports policy efforts that may range from passing legislation at the state level to working with major payors or employers in the state to provide coverage for screening. This can include:
- Removing patients’ out-of-pocket costs for follow-up colonoscopies following a positive non-invasive colorectal cancer screening exam
- Securing state funding in annual budgets for colorectal cancer screening
- Increasing access to colorectal cancer screening for the un- and underinsured
- Legislation codifying no-cost access to colorectal cancer screening
- Creating a Colorectal Cancer Screening Advisory Council in your state
- Directing the legislature to complete a study on colorectal cancer screening access in your state
- Get creative! Additional “big P” or “small p” policies to increase access to colorectal cancer screening may be considered
Catalyst Advisory Council
The Catalyst Advisory Council provides support and guidance throughout the grant process and includes representatives from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Prevent Cancer Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.