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PSA Screening for HIM Act (PDF)

The Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act (H.R.1826/ S.2821)

What is the PSA Screening for HIM Act?

The PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act (H.R.1826), introduced by Representatives  Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would bar health insurance providers from imposing any costsharing requirements (copays, deductibles, or coinsurance) for PSA screening for African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer or a genetic alteration known to be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. Recently, a Senate version of the legislation, S.2821, was introduced by Senators 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. H.R.1826/S.2821 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 nearly 300,000 men in America being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 alone, the urgency to act has never been greater.


Prostate Cancer by the Numbers

  • 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • Every 2 minutes, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer in America.
  • Men with at least one close family member with prostate cancer are at least 2x the risk for prostate cancer; risk increases with each affected family member.
  • African-American men are 1.8x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 2.2x more likely to die from the disease.
  • Only 31% of African-American men aged 50 or older have had a PSA test in the past year.

 

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