Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests has been signed into law by the president as part of a larger legislative package.
The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, H.R. 842, which Rep. Arrington sponsored in January 2025 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), became law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, H.R. 7148.
“This critical law will give seniors access to groundbreaking innovation that will transform the way we treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer,” Rep. Arrington said. “With over 338 House cosponsors, 60 Senate cosponsors, 500 supporting organizations, and even Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, together, we are unleashing the power of early detection and saving millions of lives.”
Under the new law, Medicare beneficiaries will have Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
Specifically, the legislation would create Medicare coverage for blood-based MCED tests and future test methods once approved by the FDA and shown to have clinical benefit; clarify that the new tools would complement, not replace, existing screenings and coverage; and state that cost sharing would not be impacted, the summary says.
“I join millions of Americans in celebrating this historic victory which will help transform the way we detect, diagnose, and treat cancer for seniors all across America,” said Rep. Sewell.