U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on Dec. 11 proposed a bipartisan bill that would authorize the coverage of additional lung cancer screening tests under the Medicare program.
“The federal government should make it easier for seniors to access crucial life-saving lung cancer screenings and not unreasonably hinder these tests from becoming available for use,” Rep. Buchanan said. “Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape has too often stifled innovation, unreasonably delaying access to advanced testing.”
The Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, H.R. 6693, is sponsored by Rep. Buchanan and three original cosponsors, including Rep. Bucshon and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA).
“I’m honored to help lead this legislation and remain committed to finding common-sense solutions to support both cancer treatment and cancer prevention,” Rep. Bucshon said.
If enacted, H.R. 6693 would help expedite the approval process for lung cancer screenings by giving the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the flexibility to cover new tests already approved by both the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) without having to wait for the board to evaluate the tests.
By allowing CMS to cover lung cancer screenings without first requiring a lengthy USPSTF review, H.R. 6693 would help several new tests currently being developed become available and contribute to earlier detection of lung cancer, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“It is more important than ever that Medicare invest in cancer prevention, signaling affirmation that it cares about the well-being of patients,” said Rep. Bucshon. “By championing preventive measures, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act would help diagnose lung cancer earlier and pave the way for Medicare coverage of new forms of detection technology.”
Rep. Kilmer, co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, called H.R. 6693 “a crucial step” in the fight against lung cancer. “This bill not only enhances screening accessibility for high-risk groups but also represents our commitment to innovative healthcare solutions,” he said.
This bill has been endorsed by several associations and cancer hospitals across the country, including the Moffitt Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the LUNGevity Foundation, the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers, and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, among others.