Since 1998, seniors have been eligible for lifesaving colorectal cancer screening as a basic benefit in the Medicare program. These preventive services were intended to enhance the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer–the second deadliest cancer in America.

Initially established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the benefit provides for an annual fecal occult blood test, a flexible sigmoidoscopy every four years, and a colonoscopy for high risk individuals every two years. In the Beneficiary Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA) of 2000, Congress expanded coverage to include a screening colonoscopy once every ten years.

Since implementation, the percentage of seniors receiving either a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy has increased by only one percent. This is partly due to sharply declining Medicare reimbursement, which has dropped for colonoscopies by 36% and for sigmoidoscopies by 54%.

• The "Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2002" (H.R. 3710) will improve utilization of lifesaving colorectal cancer screening among Medicare beneficiaries and beneficiary access to these procedures. It accomplishes this by making three changes to current law.
• First, the legislation would increase Medicare reimbursement for colorectal cancer-related procedures to ensure that physicians are able to cover the costs of providing these valuable services. These payments have been cut by more than 30% since 1998. The bill would increase reimbursement for procedures performed in a physician's office by 10% and increase reimbursement for procedures performed in a Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD) or Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) by 30%. By addressing the reimbursement issue, the legislation also facilitates improved access for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Second, the bill would provide Medicare coverage for an outpatient office visit or consultation prior to a screening colonoscopy. Medicare currently pays for a consultation prior to a diagnostic colonoscopy and should pay for this visit before a screening colonoscopy, as it is no less necessary.
• Finally, the bill would exempt colorectal cancer screening procedures from the customary Medicare deductible of $100. By reducing the financial burden to beneficiaries, the legislation will encourage increased use of this benefit.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT PRISCILLA ROSS IN REPRESENTATIVE CARDIN'S OFFICE AT (202)225-4016