1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I’m writing to ask you to champion legislation that eliminates or reduces out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary cancer screenings and diagnostic tests for individuals at an increased risk. While federal law requires insurance coverage with no cost-sharing for routine cancer screenings like mammograms (age 40+), colonoscopies (age 45+), and cervical cancer screenings, this coverage does not extend to individuals who need earlier or more frequent screening due to genetic or medical risk factors. For example, high-risk patients may need breast MRIs or mammograms before age 40, colonoscopies before age 45, or PSA tests for prostate cancer. These are recommended by national guidelines (the National Comprehensive Cancer Network) - but many patients can face thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses, even with insurance. Financial barriers to recommended screenings delay diagnosis, worsen outcomes, and increase long-term treatment costs. High-risk individuals should not face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for following medically necessary cancer screenings. I urge you to use your position to introduce a bill that requires insurers to reduce or eliminate cost-sharing for medically necessary, guideline-supported cancer screenings for high-risk individuals. This is a chance to lead on a life-saving issue that touches many families. Thank you for your service and for considering this action on behalf of residents who deserve a fair chance at early detection and surviving cancer.