I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4120 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 1, 2012 Mr. Dent (for himself, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Payne) introduced the following bill; which was 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 A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive coinsurance under Medicare for colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whether therapeutic intervention is required during the screening.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012.

2.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. (2)It is estimated that 143,460 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected to occur in 2012. (3)More than 50,000 people in the United States are expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2012. (4)It is estimated that if all precancerous polyps were identified and removed before becoming cancerous, estimates show the number of new colorectal cancer cases could be reduced by 76 to 90 percent and deaths could be reduced by 70 to 90 percent. (5)Although colorectal cancer is largely preventable, one in three adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screening. (6)Two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in patients over the age of 65. (7)Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy is a highly effective preventive service, and removing financial barriers can help to increase rates of screening.

3.

Waiving Medicare coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening tests

(a)

In general

Section 1833(a)(1)(Y) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)(Y)) is amended by inserting , including tests and procedures described in the last sentence of subsection (b), after section 1861(ddd)(3). (b)

Effective date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to items and services furnished after the date of the enactment of this Act.