Affordable Care Act provides greater accessibility for colorectal cancer screening
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined. However, the risk of death could be cut in half if the majority of people aged 50 and older would participate in recommended routine screenings. So why are people not getting screened? One of the biggest factors is the lack of accessibility.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has taken steps to change that. All private health insurance plans that started on or before September 23, 2010 must now cover the costs for a colonoscopy screening test for adults aged 50-75. The ACA also eliminates out-of-pocket costs for colonoscopies as a preventative service under the Medicare program and will waive deductibles even when polyps are detected and removed.
Charlotte Gastro recognizes that there are many people in our community that are either underinsured or lack any health coverage at all. In an effort to provide life-saving screenings for all, CGH is heavily involved with Get Your Rear in Gear, which raises funds to provide colorectal cancer screenings. Additionally, many of our physicians perform colonoscopies pro bono for those in need.