Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act
Summary
The Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The goal is to eliminate coinsurance requirements for certain colorectal cancer screening tests under Medicare. This bill was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2025, by Mr. Booker and Mr. Heinrich and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Expected Effects
The act would remove the coinsurance requirement for colorectal cancer screenings under Medicare. This change would take effect in 2026 and subsequent years. The removal of cost barriers could lead to increased screening rates.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to colorectal cancer screenings for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Potential for earlier detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.
- Reduced financial burden on individuals undergoing screening.
- Improved public health outcomes related to colorectal cancer.
- Simplification of Medicare payment processes for these screenings.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in Medicare costs due to higher screening rates.
- Possible strain on healthcare resources if screening demand increases significantly.
- The bill does not address other potential barriers to screening, such as access to facilities or patient awareness.
- The shift in cost burden could impact the financial stability of healthcare providers, though this is likely minimal.
- The bill focuses solely on colorectal cancer, potentially diverting attention from other important health screenings.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health by increasing access to cancer screenings. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. This legislation falls under that purview as it modifies the Social Security Act.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).