STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2020) — The House of Representatives Tuesday voted in support of State Rep. Brad Barrett’s (R-Richmond) legislation that would ensure insurance companies cover colorectal cancer screenings at an earlier age.
The legislation would require insurance companies to cover screenings for colorectal cancer by age 45 for Hoosiers, instead of age 50. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.
“As a doctor for many years, one of the worst things was giving a patient bad news, which is why I encourage people to get screenings early,” Barrett said. “It’s critical to catch medical issues like cancer sooner rather than later. Ensuring insurance companies cover these screenings by the time a person is 45 years old, could greatly improve outcomes for those diagnosed with this disease and potentially save lives by catching this cancer sooner.”
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include unintended weight loss, weakness and fatigue, anemia, and abdominal cramping or pain. According to the American Cancer Society, there are several lifestyle factors that can put a person more at risk to develop colorectal cancer like physical inactivity, certain diets that are high in red or processed meats, smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Barrett said this cancer is expected to cause more than 53,000 deaths this year alone in the United States.
House Bill 1080 now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bradford Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) in the House Chamber presents his bill that would ensure insurance companies cover colorectal cancer screenings at an earlier age Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Barrett said the legislation would require insurance companies to cover screenings for colorectal cancer by age 45 for Hoosiers, instead of age 50. Excluding different skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The bill can now be considered by the Senate.
