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Support Medicare Coverage for Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening
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Dear [Your Elected Official],

I am writing to urge you to prioritize the health and well-being of the more than 65 million Americans on Medicare by passing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Detection Screening Act (H.R. 842/S. 339). 

Every day, approximately 1,700 Americans die from cancer, totaling over 600,000 deaths annually. Early cancer detection saves lives, reduces treatment costs, and improves the quality of life for patients and their families. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for cancer is nearly 90%. Today, routine screening is reimbursed for only five types of cancer—breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer. That leaves the vast majority of cancers without available screening tests and those cases account for nearly three of every four cancer deaths in the United States each year.  

We are encouraged by ongoing clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, which can detect multiple types of cancer at earlier, more treatable stages through a simple blood test. These tests leverage advances in genomic science and computing power to identify cancer before it spreads. H.R. 842/S. 339 would allow Medicare to cover multi-cancer screening tests, thereby ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the latest cancer detection technologies. 

As a member of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, I am especially passionate about broadening access to life-saving healthcare tools for vulnerable populations. While CF, a genetic, progressive, and life-threatening disease, is primarily known as a lung condition, it also increases the risk of cancer. Over 11% of CF-related deaths in 2023 were attributed to cancer. Due to treatment advancements, more individuals in our community rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs. Many individuals with CF under age 65 also rely on Medicare through their Social Security Disability Insurance status, with 26.8% of those aged 40-64 relying on Medicare. Access to MCED screening is therefore critical to large portions of our community.  

We appreciate your leadership in supporting this important legislation. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass H.R. 842/S. 339 and ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to these transformative early detection tests. 

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City & State]
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Summary
<p>TECHNOLOGY EXISTS TO DETECT MUTLIPLE CANCERS &amp; SAVE LIVES&nbsp;</p> <p>The bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (MCED) (H.R. 842 / S. 339) has been reintroduced in both the House and the Senate. The bill would ensure Medicare coverage for innovative FDA-approved early cancer detection tests, beginning in 2028 for those 68 years old and younger. In 2024, the bill had broad support yet had insufficient time for passage. This year, the bipartisan bill already has 174 co-sponsors in the House, and 40 cosponsors in the Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) increases, the prevalence of cancer diagnoses follows suit. In addition to those with CF reaching the age to be eligible for Medicare, a growing number of individuals with CF under age 65 also rely on Medicare through their Social Security Disability Insurance status (16.8% among those ages 30-35; 26.8% among those ages 40-64). This bill has the potential to save and extend the quality of life for those with CF as well as millions of Americans through advanced and more comprehensive multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening. Currently, only five types of cancer are commonly screened for, and more than 70% of cancer diagnoses are in the Medicare population. <strong>Join CFRI in asking your elected representatives in the House and Senate to support MCED screening today!</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>NOTE:</strong> To see whether your Representative and Senators are supporters of the bill, click on the bills below. You will be able to click on your state to see the list of cosponsors. If they are supporting the legislation, you can thank them in the optional &ldquo;add your personal message&rdquo; box.&nbsp;</p>
Who will receive your email?

Molly Martin Legislative Director, Congressman Brett Guthrie

Hilary Pinegar Legislative Director, Congressman Jason Smith

Elizabeth O'Hara Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Richard Neal

Naod Aynalem Health Policy Staffer, Congressman Ron Wyden

Molly Carpenter Legislative Director, Congressman Mike Crapo

Your Federal Senators and Federal Representative