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Casey O'Neill
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
State Senate Passes Bill Aiming to Expand New Jerseyans’ Access to Colorectal Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Screenings
Legislation removing financial barriers to cancer screening now one step closer to becoming law
December 19, 2022
TRENTON, NJ – DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Earlier today, the New Jersey State Senate joined its Assembly counterpart in approving legislation that seeks to remove financial barriers to lifesaving colorectal cancer screening. With the passage of S-2305 by a vote of 37-0, the legislation heads to Governor Murphy’s desk for final approval.
If signed by Governor Murphy, New Jersey will require health insurers to cover colorectal cancer screenings recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and eliminate cost-sharing requirements for required follow-up colonoscopies following a positive stool-based test.
“There should be no correlation between a person’s access to care and where they live, who they love, the color of their skin nor their insurance status. Today, the New Jersey State Senate voted to remove a critical barrier to accessing to quality health care for colorectal cancer screenings,” said Jade Bechelli, New Jersey Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “ACS CAN applauds every New Jersey state legislator for their work advancing this lifesaving legislation, which, if signed into law by Governor Murphy, will lower rates of colorectal cancer morbidity and prevent later stage diagnoses.”
ACS CAN thanks Senators Gopal and Greenstein for their leadership on this critical legislation and urges Governor Murphy to sign A-3523/ S-2305 into law.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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