Medicare proposal misses the point of cancer prevention
Jim Martin, who helped pass the 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug Act, expresses concern about a new CMS proposal for colorectal cancer screening coverage. He argues the proposal fails to prioritize tests that detect precancerous polyps, which are key to preventing cancer before it develops. Martin urges CMS to adopt technology-neutral standards that emphasize prevention and align with Medicare's promise to protect seniors.
- ▪Jim Martin helped pass the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
- ▪The CMS proposal focuses on detecting existing cancer but does not adequately account for identifying precancerous polyps.
- ▪Martin argues that effective screening should prevent cancer by detecting advanced precancerous lesions early.
- ▪Covering tests that miss precancerous conditions may lead to worse patient outcomes and higher long-term costs.
- ▪Martin calls for coverage standards that require screening tests to demonstrate the ability to detect advanced precancerous lesions.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Nearly 20 years ago, I had the privilege of working alongside lawmakers, health experts, and patient advocates to help pass one of the most consequential reforms to Medicare in its history: the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. That law was built on the simple, but powerful, principle that Medicare should empower seniors to access the best available care, not settle for less. I am proud of that work. Which is why I am deeply concerned about what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing today.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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