Overview: PSA Screening for HIM Act (H.R. 1826/S.2821) Jump To Jump To Download PDF What is the PSA Screening for HIM Act?The PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act, introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would require health insurance providers to offer PSA screenings without any cost-sharing requirements (copays, deductibles, or coinsurance) for African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer between the ages of 55 and 69. There is also a Senate version of the bill, S.2821 by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Boozman (R-AR). Why Are PSA Tests So Important?The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most effective tool we have right now to detect prostate cancer, and, most instances of prostate cancer are initially detected with this test. PSA is a substance made by the prostate, and the levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. By testing the PSA levels, we are able to detect possible signs of prostate cancer. The earlier the disease is caught, the higher the survival rates: prostate cancer caught in Stage 1 is almost 100% survivable. However, if caught at a later stage, survival rates plummet to below 30%.Why Is This Bill So Important?Studies have shown that even the smallest amount in cost-sharing is a barrier to access for many. Too many men in vulnerable groups delay getting tested for prostate cancer, which decreases their odds for survival. This bill would require insurance providers to cover PSA tests for the highest- risk patients at no cost, similar to other high-value cancer screenings such as mammograms. With an estimated 288,000+ men in America being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 alone, the urgency to act has never been greater.How can I Help?Cosponsor H.R. 1826 in the House or S.2821 in the Senate today and help improve early detection rates for prostate cancer! To cosponsor, please contact Rep. Bucshon’s office at emily.mace@mail.house.gov or Rep. Clarke’s office at nisha.thanawala@mail.house.gov. In the Senate, reach out to Senator Booker’s office at Nadia_Laniyan@booker.senate.gov or Senator Boozman’s office at Bailey_Mccue@boozman.senate.gov. To learn more about ZERO’s advocacy efforts please contact ali@zerocancer.org. Download this sheet as a PDF Advocacy Downloadable Materials More for you
What is the PSA Screening for HIM Act?The PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act, introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would require health insurance providers to offer PSA screenings without any cost-sharing requirements (copays, deductibles, or coinsurance) for African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer between the ages of 55 and 69. There is also a Senate version of the bill, S.2821 by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Boozman (R-AR). Why Are PSA Tests So Important?The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most effective tool we have right now to detect prostate cancer, and, most instances of prostate cancer are initially detected with this test. PSA is a substance made by the prostate, and the levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. By testing the PSA levels, we are able to detect possible signs of prostate cancer. The earlier the disease is caught, the higher the survival rates: prostate cancer caught in Stage 1 is almost 100% survivable. However, if caught at a later stage, survival rates plummet to below 30%.Why Is This Bill So Important?Studies have shown that even the smallest amount in cost-sharing is a barrier to access for many. Too many men in vulnerable groups delay getting tested for prostate cancer, which decreases their odds for survival. This bill would require insurance providers to cover PSA tests for the highest- risk patients at no cost, similar to other high-value cancer screenings such as mammograms. With an estimated 288,000+ men in America being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 alone, the urgency to act has never been greater.How can I Help?Cosponsor H.R. 1826 in the House or S.2821 in the Senate today and help improve early detection rates for prostate cancer! To cosponsor, please contact Rep. Bucshon’s office at emily.mace@mail.house.gov or Rep. Clarke’s office at nisha.thanawala@mail.house.gov. In the Senate, reach out to Senator Booker’s office at Nadia_Laniyan@booker.senate.gov or Senator Boozman’s office at Bailey_Mccue@boozman.senate.gov. To learn more about ZERO’s advocacy efforts please contact ali@zerocancer.org.
