Miller-Meeks Backed Legislation to Detect and Prevent Cancer Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) voted to pass a major appropriations package that includes a transformative investment in cancer prevention and early detection through Medicare.
The package includes legislation championed by Rep. Miller-Meeks to establish Medicare coverage for Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) screening tests, ensuring seniors will soon have access to cutting-edge diagnostics that can identify multiple cancers from a single test.
“This provision is a game-changer for cancer detection and prevention,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “As a doctor, I know the importance of early detection. This investment will save lives, reduce the burden on our healthcare system, and ensure Iowa seniors benefit from the latest medical innovations.”
Background on the Cancer Screening Provision:
- Establishes Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests beginning in 2029.
- Defines MCED tests as those that can detect multiple cancer types across different organ systems from a single specimen.
- Limits tests to one annually per beneficiary.
- Implements age-based eligibility limits that increase over time.
- Sets reimbursement rates through 2030 at parity with current multi-target stool DNA tests.
- Allows CMS to reduce costs in 2031 and beyond using the clinical laboratory payment system.
- Clarifies that coverage of these tests will not displace existing cancer screenings.
- Provides CMS funding to implement coverage and oversight effectively.
This provision received broad support from leading health advocacy organizations including:
- The Chronic Care Policy Alliance, which stated these tools “save lives” and help prevent advanced-stage diagnoses.
- Prevent Blindness Iowa, who thanked Rep. Miller-Meeks for her ongoing leadership in the fight against cancer.
- Multiple Iowa healthcare voices who have praised the bill as an “essential step” to reduce the state and national burden of cancer.
This provision was included in the broader Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, part of the full-year appropriations package being finalized under a return to regular order. With House Republicans now having passed 12 of 12 appropriations bills, this marks a critical step in responsibly funding the federal government and rejecting the bloated, inflation-driving spending policies of the past.
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