[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1078-S1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. SNOWE (for herself and Mrs. Lincoln):
  S. 258. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to 
provide for coverage under the Medicare program of annual screening pap 
smear and screening pelvic exams; to the Committee on Finance.
  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Providing 
Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2001. I am pleased to be 
joined by my friend, Senator Lincoln of Arkansas, as an original 
cosponsor of this bill.
  According to the American Cancer Society cervical cancer is one of 
the most successfully treatable cancers when detected at an early 
stage. In fact, 88 percent of cervical cancer patients survive one year 
after diagnosis, and 70 percent survive five years.
  In the 52 years since use of the pap test became widespread, the 
cervical cancer mortality rate has declined by an astonishing 70 
percent. There is no question that this test is the most effective 
cancer screening tool yet developed. The Pap smear can detect 
abnormalities before they develop into cancer. Having an annual Pap 
smear is one of the most important things a woman can do to help 
prevent cervical cancer.

[[Page S1079]]

  Congress has recognized the incomparable contribution of the Pap 
smear in preventing cervical cancer and nine years ago directed 
Medicare to begin covering preventive Pap smears. Under this law 
Medicare beneficiaries were eligible for one test every three years, 
although a more frequent interval is allowed for women at high risk of 
developing cervical cancer. And through the Balanced Budget Act of 
1997, Congress expanded the Pap smear benefit to also include a 
screening pelvic exam once every three years. Last year as a part of 
the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection 
Act, P.L. 106-544, we brought the screening down to once every other 
year.
  However, the American Cancer Society screening guidelines recommend 
that all women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 and 
older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After 
three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal 
findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the 
physician's discretion. Unfortunately, Medicare guidelines do not 
reflect this recommendation.
  Women understand the usefulness and life-saving benefit of the Pap 
smear. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 
that 88.3 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 44 have received 
a pap test within the preceding three years. However, this rate 
dropped, for women age 65 and over--only 72.3 percent have received a 
pap test within the preceding three years.
  The bill Senator Lincoln and I are introducing today will bring 
Medicare guidelines in line with the American Cancer recommendations, 
and it will encourage Medicare beneficiaries to utilize this screening 
benefit more regularly.
  The Pap test has contributed immeasurably to the fight against 
cervical cancer. We cannot risk erasing our advancements in this fight 
because of an inadequate Medicare screening benefit.
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