Law removes barrier to cancer screening

Colonoscopies are proven to prevent colon cancer and save lives, but any added costs can be a deterrent from getting screened. Skipping recommended screening could mean a patient receives a later-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis that can be more expensive to treat and harder to survive.

Currently, Medicare fully pays for routine colonoscopies for the purpose of screening. But if a polyp is found and removed during the procedure, the colonoscopy is categorized as a diagnostic exam, and the patient must pay a share of the cost.

This loophole, which applies only to Medicare beneficiaries, can leave a patient with a bill that could be as much as $500 out of pocket.

I want to thank Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for co-sponsoring the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act in Congress that will make colorectal cancer screening more accessible to more people irrespective of their ability to pay.

More seniors getting screened will result in fewer cases of cancer, reduced cost of treating the disease and most importantly, fewer needless deaths from a disease that is easily detected and prevented.

Marilyn Garcia

Winnetka