[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 106 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE OSTEOPOROSIS EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION ACT OF 
                                  2007

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am reintroducing 
bipartisan legislation, the Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention 
Act of 2007, along with my friend and colleague from West Virginia.
  This important bill will ensure that individuals at high risk for 
osteoporosis have access to screening tests for the disease. The 
Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act of 2007 will require 
private insurance plans to cover bone mass (bone density) measurement 
testing for those at risk for developing the disease.
  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. Half 
of all women and one-fourth of all men, age 50 or older, will suffer a 
bone fracture due to 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.
  Osteoporosis is a disease that has no symptoms and usually remains 
undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. I am pleased to introduce a bill 
that requires private health insurance plans to cover a bone mass 
measurement test for qualified men and women who are at risk for 
developing osteoporosis. Bone mass measurement is a non-invasive, 
painless and reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis before costly 
fractures occur. I believe this legislation will make a huge difference 
in defending men and women from osteoporosis.

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