Although colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, it is very treatable when caught early. Insurance law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, but this is based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008 that are outdated. Multiple other states have updated to the more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018, and these new recommendations state that people should be screened starting at age 45 rather than 50. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also recommends that people begin screening at age 45.
 
To address this, we are introducing legislation that updates current law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50, updates the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition, and updates the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by the guidelines.
 
Keeping our insurance laws up to date helps Pennsylvanians receive the most appropriate medical care. With these changes, we can make a significant difference in catching and preventing serious cases of colorectal cancer.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to improve access to colorectal cancer screening.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1251: P.L.682, No.284