Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act
Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act
Plain Language Summary
# Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act - Summary ## What the Bill Would Do This bill would remove patient cost-sharing (coinsurance) for colorectal cancer screening tests under Medicare. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries may have to pay a portion of screening costs depending on how the test is coded or what procedure code is used. The bill would ensure these screenings are fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs to patients, regardless of which billing code doctors use. ## Who It Affects The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (generally age 65+) who need colorectal cancer screenings.
It could also impact healthcare providers and Medicare's costs. The bill aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent seniors from getting preventive cancer screenings. ## Current Status The bill was introduced by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It has not advanced further in the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness ActThis bill eliminates Medicare coinsurance requirements with respect to colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of the code billed for a resulting diagnosis or procedure.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.