Better Medicare coverage on colorectal cancer screening

As a cancer survivor I can tell you that the words “you have cancer” are life-changing. But thanks to better access to care, many more people are not only surviving this disease in 2017, they are thriving.

Not only have we discovered better, more effective treatments in the last few decades, but we’ve come so far in preventing the disease in the first place. Colonoscopies can do just that, by removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Unfortunately, while screening rates have improved, barriers still exist keeping individuals from getting recommended colonoscopies.

One such barrier that actually has an easy fix relates to a surprise cost for seniors on Medicare can face when receiving a colonoscopy. Unlike individuals with private insurance plans, seniors can wake up to an unexpected bill if a polyp is found and removed during a routine colonoscopy.

Thank-you to our Rhode Island senator, Jack Reed, who has again co-sponsored the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. I urge Sen. Whitehouse, Congressman Langevin and Congressman Cicilline to join Sen. Reed and sign on as co-sponsors to this lifesaving legislation.

This bipartisan legislation in Congress is an easy way for our Rhode Island delegation to standup for the health of our seniors. Not only will their support help save lives from cancer, it will save health care dollars that would have otherwise been spent on treatment down the road.

Let’s help prevent seniors from hearing those three life-changing words that myself and my loved ones had to face. It’s the right thing to do.

Joyce J Dolbec

Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

North Smithfield