Colorectal Cancer News

Do Insurers Have to Pay for Colonoscopy Now?

In a health blog in the New York Times, the question "Will a colonoscopy be covered under the new law?" was asked.

Michelle Andrews responded that Medicare will cover colon cancer screening tests, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood tests, at no charge starting January 2011. New private plans that start after Oct. 1 will also begin covering these tests. Existing health plans will not have to meet this requirement, however.

Some screenings such as the DNA stool test and virtual colonoscopies will not be covered under the new law. The District of Columbia and 27 states currently require insurance to cover colorectal cancer screenings, but the new federal requirements will not take precedence over state law.

References
Making Sense of the Health Care Law. Do Insurers Have to Pay for Colonoscopy Now? The New York Times. 2010 May 21.

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