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Senate Approves Tomlinson Amendment To Cover Screening for Colorectal CancerThe Senate today approved legislation that would ensure more Pennsylvanians are screened for colorectal cancer according to Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), who was the prime sponsor of the original bill. House Bill 1150 requires insurance companies to provide insurance coverage for autism, and to mandate coverage for colorectal screening for individuals 50 and over. He noted that colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. For nonsmokers, colorectal cancer is the number one cause of cancer death. "For unknown reasons, Pennsylvanians are diagnosed with and succumb to colorectal cancer at rates above the national average," Tomlinson said. "That's why it is so important to pass this legislation, because more people will go for testing if insurance covers it." Tomlinson said that colorectal cancer is ideally suited for screening, because colon cancers grow slowly, and early detection can significantly aid in treatment. When detected early, colon cancer is among the most treatable of all cancers and has a five-year survival rate of 90 percent. Not all insurance carriers provide for colorectal cancer screening as outlined by the American Cancer Society. Some insurance plans cover a portion but not all of the recommended screening tests for colorectal cancer. House Bill 1150 will mandate insurance companies cover cancer screening, according to the guidelines of the American Cancer Society. Insurance companies would have to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening for all individuals who are 50 and over. The legislation would also mandate coverage for those who are under 50 but are at high risk or increased risk for colorectal cancer. Tomlinson praised Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Don White (R-Indiana) for moving his legislation forward, and said the bill will help to save lives. "We made real progress this past year in the fight against colon cancer."
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