PA HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROMOTE EARLY DETECTION OF COLORECTAL CANCER

The following information was released by Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus:

The PA House today passed legislation (H.B. 1123) that would update insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings in the state.

The legislation was introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, Sean Dougherty, Jordan Harris and Tarik Khan, all D-Phila.

Current 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. 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.

House Bill 1123 would update current law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50, update the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition, and update the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by the guidelines.

Gallagher, who is a survivor of colorectal cancer, pointed out how this legislation can save lives.

As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual's journey through the labyrinth of cancer. This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it's about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference.

Harris, who serves as PA House Appropriations Committee majority chair, expressed how personal colorectal cancer is to him and how it disproportionately affects Black Americans.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers we face, and the data is clear: when this disease is caught early, the survival rate can exceed 90%. But Black Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed and 40% more likely to die from it than white Americans -- not because of biology, but because of barriers in access, trust, and preventive care. We can change that. Ensuring insurance coverage for routine screenings starting at age 45 will save lives and close persistent, painful gaps in care. For me, this fight is personal. I lost my wife, Tiffany, to colorectal cancer, and I know what happens when this disease goes undetected for too long. No family in Pennsylvania should have to experience that same pain. Early screening gives people a fighting chance, and action now will protect thousands of families across our Commonwealth.

Khan, who is a nurse, said that he knows that colorectal cancer is treatable.

As a nurse, I know colorectal cancer is treatable if its caught in time. This bill helps save lives by

making sure more Pennsylvanians get screened earlier.

Dougherty pointed out how much of a difference moving up the starting age for screenings can make.

Five years can make all the difference in the world when it comes to detecting colorectal cancer. It will ensure that someone is not diagnosed with this horrible disease. Im pleased to see this bill that can save lives pass out of the House

House Bill 1123 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.