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A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests.

2/26/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 339

Bill 119 s 339, also known as the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests under Medicare.

The bill proposes that Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, should cover the costs of multi-cancer early detection screening tests. These tests are designed to detect a wide range of cancers at an early stage, when they are more treatable and have a higher chance of successful outcomes.

By providing coverage for these screening tests, the bill seeks to improve early detection of cancer among Medicare beneficiaries, potentially leading to earlier treatment and better health outcomes. This could ultimately result in cost savings for the Medicare program by reducing the need for more expensive treatments for advanced stage cancers. The bill does not specify which specific multi-cancer early detection screening tests would be covered under Medicare, leaving that decision to be determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based on recommendations from medical experts and stakeholders. Overall, the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act aims to improve access to early cancer detection for Medicare beneficiaries, potentially leading to better health outcomes and cost savings for the Medicare program.

Congressional Summary of S 339

Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act

This bill allows, beginning in 2028, for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types, if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services determines such coverage is appropriate. Coverage is limited to those under a certain age (age 68 in 2028, increased by one year every year thereafter) and to one test every 11 months.

Current Status of Bill S 339

Bill S 339 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 30, 2025. Bill S 339 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 30, 2025.  Bill S 339's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of January 30, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 339

Total Number of Sponsors
8
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
8
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
45
Democrat Cosponsors
18
Republican Cosponsors
27
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 339

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 339

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests.
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests.

Comments

Lucille McGuire profile image

Lucille McGuire

457

9 months ago

I don't get why they want to change Medicare to cover those tests. Seems like a waste of money to me. How is this gonna help anyone? I don't see how this is gonna benefit me or anyone else. Just another way for the government to spend our tax dollars.

Angelique Floyd profile image

Angelique Floyd

431

9 months ago

I heard about this new bill that could help with cancer tests for Medicare. I think it's good that they are trying to help with early detection. I hope it passes and helps people stay healthy.

Trey Warren profile image

Trey Warren

437

9 months ago

I'm so excited about this new bill! It's great that it will provide Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests. This is a step in the right direction for improving healthcare for all Americans. I wonder how this will impact our healthcare system in the long run?