Dear Representative,

I am writing in support of H.R. 4120, the ‘‘Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012”. This legislation was introduced by Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15) to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are not subject to unexpected coinsurance payments for screening colonoscopy. I strongly support this bill, which will enable those who qualify for Medicare to receive the USPSTF recommended screening services without fear of added cost.

Although highly accurate screening methods exist for detecting colorectal cancer, it is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in America. These screening tests are relatively painless and recommended for those at an increased risk of colorectal cancer and for everyone aged 50 and older, yet less than 60% of these Americans have been screened.

There are a variety of reasons why people don’t get screened, and one of them is cost. As you may know, colorectal screening is now covered under Medicare, but there are strings attached. If a Medicare patient undergoes a screening in which a polyp or lesion is removed, the screening becomes classified as diagnostic, which requires the individual to pay a coinsurance.

Legislative action is needed to correct this oversight in the Affordable Care Act that still requires Medicare beneficiaries to pay coinsurance when their screening colonoscopy also involves the removal of a polyp. This inconsistency in Medicare beneficiary cost sharing should be corrected as soon as possible. The current policy is confusing for Medicare patients and because cost to the Medicare beneficiary is considerable and could serve as a deterrent to screening.

H.R. 4120, the ‘‘Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012”, would correct this problem by waiving coinsurance under Medicare for colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whatever surgical measures might occur. This bill will allow countless Americans to pursue the medical care they need without fear of incurring exorbitant charges.

Thank you for considering this request and I hope that you will join as a cosponsor of this important legislation. This bill could save countless lives!