MN Public Policy Update 2/18/08 Am. Cancer Soc.

News from The American Cancer Society Public Policy Department:
Great News - Bill to create colorectal cancer screening program introduced in Senate and House!
Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, S.F. 2698/H.F.2890 was introduced on February 14. The legislation is authored by Senator Kathy Sheran and Representative Maria Ruud. The bill would create a program similar to the existing Minnesota breast and cervical cancer screening program (SAGE). Specifically, the proposed program would provide access to screening for colorectal cancer for Minnesotans who are:
--Over 50 years of age or are under 50 and at high risk for colon cancer;
--Uninsured, or have insurance that does not cover routine colorectal cancer screenings (underinsured);
-- or are unable to pay the deductible or co-payment; and
--Have a gross family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
Services would include:
--Colorectal cancer screening
--Follow up services for abnormal tests; and
--Diagnostic services
If a participant in the program is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the participant’s treatment shall be covered by medical assistance if the person is under or uninsured.

In the Senate the bill was referred to the Health, Housing and Family Security Committee, Chaired by Sen. John Marty. Other Senate Authors include: Lourey; Higgins; Larson; and Koering. In the House the bill was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee Chaired by Rep. Paul Thissen and the other authors thus far include: Representatives McFarlane; Thissen; Loeffler; and Erin Murphy.
A link to the Senate bill is https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2698.0.html&session=ls85
A link to the House bill is
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getbill.php?number=HF2890&session=ls85&version=list&session_number=0&session_year=2008

Cancer Day at the Capitol poised for education about Minnesota’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act
If you haven’t yet registered for Cancer Day at the Capitol, March 6 – it is not too late. Please join ACS volunteers to educate the legislature about the proposed colorectal screening program. Here’s a chance to propose an idea that will save lives, reduce costs and create access to high quality affordable cancer care. To register contact Sally Starr at Sally.Starr@cancer.org. If you have questions contact Jessica Knutson at Jessica.knutson@cancer.org