[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        OSTEOPOROSIS EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, along with my Republican colleague, 
Melissa Hart, I am introducing the Osteoporosis Early Detection and 
Prevention Act of 2005. This bill will ensure that individuals at high 
risk for osteoporosis have access to screening tests for the disease. 
The legislation would require private insurance plans to cover bone 
mass measurement testing for those at risk for developing the disease.
  Osteoporosis is a disease that has no symptoms and usually remains 
undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. Approximately 44 million Americans 
suffer from osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it, and 80 
percent of those at risk are women. Every year, there are 1.5 million 
bone fractures caused by osteoporosis.
  Since there is no known cure for osteoporosis, the most effective way 
to reduce the prevalence and cost of the disease is through prevention 
and early diagnosis. As a result, bone mass measurement tests are 
crucial to early detection because ordinary x-rays do not detect 
osteoporosis until the disease is so advanced that 25 to 40 percent of 
bone mass has been lost.
  Bone mass measurement is a non-invasive, painless and reliable way to 
diagnose osteoporosis before costly fractures occur. By ensuring that 
high risk individuals have access to screening tests. The Osteoporosis 
Early Detection and Prevention Act will make a huge difference in 
defending men and women from osteoporosis.

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