Rep. Richard Hudson Joins Colleagues in Reintroducing Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Increase Access to Multi-Cancer Early Detection Technology for Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This legislation would increase access to multi-cancer early detection technology for seniors by creating a pathway to Medicare coverage. 

“Too often, families in North Carolina and across the country are devastated by a cancer diagnosis," said Representative Hudson. "By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests, we can catch cancers sooner and save lives."

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act will allow for Medicare coverage of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) screenings once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These new MCED screening tools will complement existing screening and dramatically improve our nation's cancer early detection capabilities.

Currently, medical professionals are only able to commonly screen for five cancers and just 14% of cancers are found through existing screenings. The impact of late-stage cancer diagnosis is magnified in communities of color and throughout rural America where overall cancer outcomes are worse. These tools introduce a significant shift in the cancer screening landscape. Ensuring seniors have timely access is essential since age is the primary risk factor for cancer and more than 70% of cancer diagnoses are in the Medicare population. This legislation will open the door to a new era of detecting and treating cancer while ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind. 

"This year, the families of 2 million Americans will learn their loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, and the only way to win this all-too-personal war on cancer and defeat this insidious disease is to unleash the power of American innovation," said Representative Arrington. "Increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screenings will not only drastically improve quality of life for American cancer patients and their families while saving taxpayer dollars, but save lives by catching cancer before it spreads - just like it did for Tad Carper of the Dallas Cowboys. It's an honor to name this legislation in memory of my friend Rep. Terri Sewell's late mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this bipartisan legislation into law and deliver for the American people."

"Cancer affects everyone. It knows no political party or ZIP code," said Representative Sewell. "After gaining critical momentum in the last Congress, we are excited to be reintroducing the Nancy Gardner Sewell MCED Screening Coverage Act to expand access to early detection cancer screenings for our seniors. I thank Chairman Arrington for his partnership and for naming the bill after my mother, the late Nancy Gardner Sewell. Her legacy will live on in the millions of Americans whose lives will be changed by this legislation."

"It is crucial to allow Medicare to cover multi-cancer detection screenings to prevent the progression of deadly conditions," said Representative Miller-Meeks. "As a physician, I know that prevention is the best medicine, and we must enhance opportunities for early detection of cancer and other diseases. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation and will continue to work with my colleagues on initiatives that will lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and improved outcomes for Americans."

"Early cancer detection significantly improves health outcomes and saves lives," said Representative Ruiz. "Thanks to advances in medical technology, we can identify cancers earlier than ever before. Access to these screenings is critical. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which will update Medicare coverage to ensure seniors have access to these life-saving screenings."

“MCED tests hold tremendous potential to transform cancer care by enabling earlier detection, but their promise hinges on accessibility. ACCC commends the nearly 400 members of Congress who supported this pivotal legislation last year and is thrilled to see it reintroduced today," said Meagan O'Neill, Executive Director of the Association of Cancer Care Centers. "Collaboration will be key to its passage, and ACCC is committed to advancing policies that integrate MCED tests to save more lives through earlier cancer detection.” 

“We have the opportunity to chart a course that revolutionizes the ability to detect cancer in earlier stages, leadings to lives and families saved," said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. "It’s time to seize that opportunity and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to multi-cancer early detection tests following FDA approval. We are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly and Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden for recognizing the need and standing up for Americans.”

“Passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is essential for communities who face barriers to routine cancer screenings," said Dr. Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum. "Multi-cancer early detection tests are a breakthrough science that has brought us to the edge of the war on cancer. However, nearly half of the American population on public insurance - including medically underserved, minoritized and poor communities - do not have access to life-saving technology. For the communities NMQF works in nationwide - from Flint to Houston to Selma - the people know that access to multi-cancer early detection tests could mean life or death. We are glad to see this widely supported legislation be put forth in front of Congress once again with its reintroduction. Now is the time for passage.” 

“The reintroduction of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act marks an important step forward in the fight against ovarian and other cancers," said Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. "Multi-cancer early detection tests have the potential to transform outcomes for the 20,000 people who will face an ovarian cancer diagnosis this year. Passing this legislation is critical to ensuring Medicare beneficiaries have access to these groundbreaking tools that can improve cancer outcomes and enhance quality of life. We are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly, as well as Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden, for their leadership and commitment to putting patients first.”

"We are heartened that our leaders in Congress have reintroduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act," said Daneen Sekoni, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at Cancer Support Community. "This bipartisan legislation, which is supported by nearly 400 members of Congress, would create a new coverage pathway, giving people on Medicare access to new, breakthrough screening technologies that detect cancer. The creation of new cancer screening tests is the first step toward saving more lives by detecting cancers that currently do not have screening tests. As an organization whose mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care, we are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly and Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden for prioritizing patient access to the latest cancer screening technology. We look forward to swift passage of an already widely supported bill.” 

“There is exciting progress being made in the cancer early detection space, and we have seen the power of that in colorectal cancer," said Molly McDonnell, Vice President of Advocacy at FIGHT Colorectal Cancer. "Access to tools like MCED tests can help catch cancer earlier when it is easier to treat. We support our leaders in Congress who are dedicated to changing the statistics around cancer in this country by advancing this effort.” 

“The lung cancer community understands the importance of cancer screening tests. Earlier detection allows for more treatment options, and, potentially, a cure," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President and CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. "In the case of lung cancer, fewer than six percent of eligible Americans have been screened, and some states have screening rates as low as one percent. This is why access to MCED tests through this legislation is so critical. We urge Congress to pick up on the incredible support this bill enjoyed last year and quickly pass it.” 

“Cancer has a unique impact on rural Americans, where early detection is hindered by limited access to specialty care," said Christine Hamp, President of National Grange. "Access to MCED tests could bring the latest screening technology to communities who often don’t get to enjoy the latest technology that allows them to take control of their health. This legislation can reduce rural healthcare disparities by finding more cancers earlier - improving outcomes. We’re proud to support the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, now reintroduced in Congress. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to pass it.”

Read the full bill text here.

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