Tell Congress to Take a Stand Against Colorectal Cancer

Our seniors are facing a policy loophole that can land them with an unexpected bill just for trying to protect themselves from colorectal cancer.

Right now, the colonoscopy screening is a covered benefit for Medicare patients - they don't owe anything to get screened! However, if a doctor finds a polyp during the test and removes it, the colonoscopy is reclassified to "diagnostic" and the patient is charged a co-pay or deductible. Most insurances have fixed this but not Medicare.

The removal of polyps during a colonoscopy is imperative - it's what prevents colon cancer. However - it's the unexpected charge that a patient may wake up to that stops some seniors from getting screened.

We can't keep letting financial barriers like this stand in the way of protecting our health!

In the Senate, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the House companion bill S. 2348, "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act," would correct the reclassification when a polyp is removed during colonoscopy, and eliminate this unexpected charge. With 80 million baby boomers set to retire, our nation must increase its commitment to prevention and screening.

Take action today! Ask the Senate to cosponsor the "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act" (S. 2348) and keep the momentum on for our Seniors and Million Strong survivors who fight this preventable cancer every day.
Dear [Member of Congress],

Our seniors are facing a policy loophole that can land them with an unexpected bill just for trying to protect themselves from colorectal cancer.

Right now, the colonoscopy screening is a covered benefit for Medicare patients - they don't owe anything to get screened! However, if a doctor finds a polyp during the test and removes it, the colonoscopy is reclassified to "diagnostic" and the patient is charged a co-pay or deductible. Most insurances have fixed this but not Medicare.

The removal of polyps during a colonoscopy is imperative - it's what prevents colon cancer. However - it's the unexpected charge that a patient may wake up to that stops some seniors from getting screened.

We can't keep letting financial barriers like this stand in the way of protecting our health!

In the Senate, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the House companion bill S. 2348, "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act," would correct the reclassification when a polyp is removed during colonoscopy, and eliminate this unexpected charge. This bill is our best chance for fixing the Medicare coinsurance problem this year.

We know this oversight in current Medicare law has resulted in confusion and frustration for many seniors. The stories from patients who received this unexpected bill are preventing others from getting life-saving (and cancer-preventing) colorectal cancer screening. We're doing something about it. With 80 million baby boomers set to retire, our nation must increase its commitment to prevention and screening.

[Your comments will go here]

I urge you to cosponsor the "Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act" (S. 2348) and keep the momentum on for our Seniors and Million Strong survivors who fight this preventable cancer every day.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.