Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act

# Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (HR 842) **What it would do:** This bill would allow Medicare to cover and pay for multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These are newer blood tests that can screen for multiple types of cancer at once. The tests would only be covered if the FDA approves them and if Medicare's administrators determine coverage is appropriate. The coverage would be limited to people under a certain age (starting at age 68 in 2028, then increasing by one year annually) and patients could receive one test every 11 months. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older.

It also impacts medical companies developing multi-cancer screening tests, which could see increased demand if Medicare coverage begins. Taxpayers would bear the cost of expanded Medicare benefits, though the bill delays implementation until 2028. **Current status:** HR 842 was introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.