As you are aware, Medicare has finalized plans to significantly cut colonoscopy reimbursement beginning January 2016. Did you know that in anticipation for these cuts, the ACG has urged Congress to pass the SCREEN ACT (S. 1079, HR 2035) throughout 2015? The SCREEN Act would keep colonoscopy reimbursement at CY 2015 levels until the new Medicare reimbursement system begins in 2019.
Why should you and your legislators support the SCREEN Act?
The SCREEN Act is the only bill currently in Congress addressing these forthcoming cuts.
What can I do?
You can take action at the local and national level to express your frustration and to oppose these cuts.
• Sign ACG’s petition, and urge your colleagues and patients to sign it as well. ACG’s Medicare Colonoscopy Petition
• Call all your Members of Congress and urge them to pass the SCREEN Act (S.1079/H.R.2035) this year. Connect to your Member of Congress via the U.S. Capitol Switchboard by calling 202-224-3121.
• Here is a strategic “playbook” for GI physicians from the ACG. Access the “Playbook”
Get your practice and state GI society involved. Urge them to contact the congressional delegation to help stop these cuts.
What else does the SCREEN Act do?
The SCREEN Act also removes the barriers Medicare beneficiaries face when it comes to colorectal cancer and hepatitis C screening. This legislation is not only vital to addressing these two major public health challenges, but is potentially lifesaving for millions of Americans who receive health benefits under Medicare.
Read more here: http://acgblog.org/2015/06/05/top-five-reasons-to-support-the-screen-act/
Learn more
Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Richard Neal Introduce SCREEN Act
New Demonstration Project Links Colorectal Cancer Screening to Discussion and Testing for Hepatitis C
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Medicare Beneficiaries Gain Access to Hepatitis C Info & Screening Under SCREEN Act
Contact
Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD)
Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA)
Whitfield Knapple, MD, Chair
ACG National Affairs Committee