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H.R. 1017House115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2017

Sponsored by Charles W. DentRep. Charles W. Dent (R-PA)
Introduced February 13, 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 12:47 PM UTC

The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2017 would change Medicare rules so that people on Medicare would not have to pay any coinsurance (the part‑pay cost) for colorectal cancer screening tests. The change applies whether the screening leads to a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure during the same visit. It is aimed at increasing screening rates, especially among seniors who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the Social Security Act to add colorectal cancer screening tests to the list of services that are exempt from Medicare coinsurance, even if the screening results in a diagnostic or tissue‑removal procedure during the same encounter.
  • The waiver takes effect for all qualifying services provided after the law is enacted.

Legislative Activity

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4 earlier actions
HouseFloor Latest Action

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Lance asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1017, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings under clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

May 15, 2018 • 7:11 PM

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 13, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Energy and Commerce Committee

February 13, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Health Subcommittee

February 17, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Health Subcommittee

February 24, 2017

HouseFloor

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Lance asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1017, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings under clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

May 15, 2018 • 7:11 PM

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about H.R. 1017 on the floor

1 Republican1 Democrat
Donald M. Payne, Jr.
Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.D-NJ-10 · Mar 20, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge each of my colleagues and the American people to talk to their doctors about getting screened for colorectal cancer. Each year, I sponsor a resolution to recognize…

Record
Leonard Lance
Rep. Leonard LanceR-NJ-7 · May 15, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the primary sponsor of H.R. 1017, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purposes…

Record

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued February 13, 2017

I

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1017

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 13, 2017

Mr. Dent (for himself, Mr. Payne, and Mr. Lance) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive coinsurance under Medicare for colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whether therapeutic intervention is required during the screening.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2017.

2.

Findings

Congress finds the following:

(1)

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.

(2)

In 2017, more than 135,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and approximately 50,000 Americans will die from it.

(3)

Approximately 60 percent of colorectal cancer cases and 70 percent of deaths occur in those aged 65 and older.

(4)

Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy allows for the detection and removal of polyps, or abnormal growths, that could become cancerous, as well as for the early detection of colorectal cancer when treatment can be most effective.

(5)

Although colorectal cancer is largely preventable, one in three adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screening.

(6)

Over 1,000 organizations have committed to eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are working toward the shared goal of reaching 80 percent screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

(7)

Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy is a highly effective preventive service, and removing financial barriers can help to increase screening rates.

3.

Waiving medicare coinsurance for co­lo­rec­tal cancer screening tests

(a)

In general

Section 1833(a)(1)(Y) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)(Y)) is amended by inserting , including a colorectal cancer screening test (regardless of the code that is billed for the establishment of a diagnosis as a result of the test, or for the removal of tissue or other procedure that is furnished in connection with, as a result of, and in the same clinical encounter as the screening test), after section 1861(ddd)(3).

(b)

Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished after the date of the enactment of this Act.