Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Finance Committee member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to reintroduce the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act. This legislation would allow for timely Medicare coverage of innovative tests that can detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop. Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Terri Sewell (D-Ala).
“I know from personal experience that early cancer detection can make all the difference,” said Bennet. “This bipartisan legislation will help save lives by ensuring Medicare beneficiaries across the country have access to the latest, breakthrough screening technologies.”
“Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates,” said Crapo. “By providing a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, this bipartisan bill would ensure seniors can receive lifesaving preventive care, a crucial step in combating the chronic disease epidemic. With strong support from patients and families across the country, I look forward to advancing this legislation across the finish line and to President Trump’s desk.”
“The first step to beating cancer is by detecting it sooner than later,” said Wyden. “This bipartisan bill will help more seniors in Medicare get preventive screening that enables a wider range of treatment options when cancer is detected early. I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis on any effort to promote cancer treatment and prevention, including the use of the most up-to-date technologies in the Medicare program.”
“It should go without question that if we have the opportunity to implement more life-saving technology for diseases like cancer, we should do it,” said Scott. “I am glad to join my colleagues on this important legislation to expand Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection tests to save more lives.”
Specifically, the bill would:
- Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MCED tests, which can screen for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack an effective screening option;
- Authorize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, enabling beneficiaries to access these technologies;
- Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and
- State that new diagnostic technologies will supplement, not replace, existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.
“We applaud Senator Bennet for his commitment to the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.” said Erika Hanson Brown, Founder and CEO, One Cancer Place. “This vital legislation paves the way for Medicare to provide coverage for groundbreaking cancer screenings, offering new hope to millions of Americans. Multi-cancer early detection is a game-changer in the fight against cancer, and this bill is a significant step toward ensuring access to those who need it most. Senator Bennet’s steadfast commitment to improving cancer care will make a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and caregivers across the nation.”
The senators previously introduced the MCED Screening Coverage Act in June 2023.
The text of the bill is available HERE.