Perspective               

More Coverage for Colon Cancer Screening Needed

Even though Medicare covers annual colon cancer screenings, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and other health groups recently told Congress that the number of people being screened for colon cancer is insufficient, and asked that Medicare coverage for screenings be expanded. A General Accounting Office review of Medicare claims found that only 3.8 percent of people with Medicare had had a colonoscopy in 1999. That is just 1 percent more than in 1995, before Medicare began covering screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends annual colon cancer screenings for people age 50 and older.

According to the health groups, Medicare rules are deterring people from being screened. For example, individuals must meet their $100 Part B deductible before Medicare will pick-up any costs for the screening and Medicare does not cover the cost of the doctor's visit before the screening.

Legislation has been introduced into Congress that would provide Medicare coverage for 80 percent of the cost of colon cancer screenings, even if the patient has not met their $100 deductible, and for the doctor's visit.

The American Cancer Society estimates that colon cancer will kill 48,000 Americans this year, more than any other cancer except lung cancer.

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