Lung Cancer Medicare Access to Precise Testing Act
Summary
The Lung Cancer Medicare Access to Precise Testing Act aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, mandating Medicare coverage for lung cancer biomarker testing. This testing is defined as the identification of specific biomarkers (genes, proteins, or other molecules) through analysis of an individual's tissue, blood, or bodily fluids, starting January 1, 2027. The bill ensures that Medicare will cover 100% of the reasonable charges for such testing.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act will be to increase access to lung cancer biomarker testing for Medicare beneficiaries. This increased access could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans. It will also place a new financial obligation on the Medicare program.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to advanced diagnostic testing for lung cancer patients.
- Potential for more targeted and effective cancer treatments.
- Improved patient outcomes and survival rates.
- Reduced healthcare costs in the long term by avoiding ineffective treatments.
- Greater equity in healthcare access for Medicare beneficiaries.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs to the Medicare program.
- Potential for overuse of testing if not properly regulated.
- Administrative burden for healthcare providers to implement the new coverage.
- Possible delays in access to testing due to increased demand.
- Risk of misinterpretation of test results if not accompanied by proper clinical context.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Additionally, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States, which includes funding healthcare programs like Medicare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).