Insurance coverage of colorectal screening low

AORN Journal, July, 2004

Although colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and is the second leading cancer killer, only 18 states have enacted legislation requiring insurance providers to cover screening costs, according to a Match 29, 2004, news release from the Entertainment Industry Foundation. These findings are reported in the 2004 Colorectal Legislation Report Card, which was released by the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance and the American Gastroenterological Association.

In comparison to the 18 states that require insurance providers to cover colorectal preventive screening costs, 47 require coverage for breast cancer screening, 26 for prostate cancer screening, and 23 for cervical cancer screening. These three cancers have tower death rates than colorectal cancer, which has a death rate of 56,000 per year. With early detection, however, 90% of colorectal cancers are curable.

The report card analyzes state laws regarding insurance coverage for preventive colorectal screening and can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.eif.nccra.org. Thirty-three states received a D or an F, both failing grades. From the web site, visitors can send an e-mail to their state Senate health committee chairs to petition for quality legislation.

Only 18 States Make the Grade in First-Ever Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card (news release, Los Angeles: Entertainment Industry Foundation, March 29, 2004) http://www.prnewswire.com (accessed 30 March 2004).