Husted backs bill to expand access to early cancer screenings for seniors

WASHINGTON - Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has joined Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ron Wyden's (D-Ore.) Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would make sure Medicare beneficiaries can access Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests that can diagnose multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear.

"This bill would ensure Ohio seniors-and seniors across America-can access advanced screenings to catch cancer when it's most treatable-in its earliest stages. I'm proud to back this push for lifesaving, innovative care," said Husted.

Because age is the primary risk factor for cancer, equipping seniors with access to tests that detect cancer early protects their health better than relying solely on traditional diagnostic tools. Adults aged 65 and older account for 60% of cancer diagnoses.

The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act would:

• Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MCED tests, which can screen patients for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack other effective screening options;
• Authorize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, which enables Medicare patients to access these technologies;
• Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine which tests it covers; and
• Make clear that new diagnostic technologies would complement-not replace-existing cancer screenings and that the MCED tests would not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.

Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) introduced the companion bill to the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act in the House of Representatives.

This bill builds on Husted's support for America's seniors. Husted's bill, the Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act, protects seniors by addressing data and identity theft or fraud at the hands of artificial intelligence (AI) fraudsters-commonly known as "deep fake" scams-by establishing a task force on AI in the financial services sector.

Husted is also working to make medical care more accessible for seniors and all Ohioans. His bill, the SMART OTC Act, would modernize the Food and Drug Administration's process for giving certain prescription drugs status as over-the-counter options. This would help lower costs and improve health for families across Ohio and America.

Full text of the bill is available here.