Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated his Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R.842) being advanced unanimously out of the Ways and Means Committee (43-0). This legislation would ensure multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are covered by Medicare in a timely manner upon approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The legislation enjoys broad bipartisan support, in addition to support from outside groups throughout the country and even personnel from the Dallas Cowboys, like Quarterback Dak Prescott.

Click HERE to Watch Arrington’s Hearing Remarks

“Today, the Ways & Means Committee unanimously advanced my bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act,” said Chairman Arrington. “This critical legislation will give seniors access to groundbreaking innovation that will transform the way we treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer. With over 300 cosponsors in the House, 60 in the Senate, over 500 organizations and even Cowboys QB Dak Prescott supporting it, we are closer than ever to unleashing the power of early detection and saving millions of lives.”

“Today, we are one giant step closer to enacting the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act and giving our seniors their best chance at catching cancer early,” said Rep. Sewell (AL-07), the bill’s Democrat co-lead. “The fact that our bill passed unanimously in the Ways and Means Committee less than 24 hours after Cancer Advocacy Day is a testament to its strong, bipartisan momentum and its potential to save countless lives. Cancer knows no political party, and I’m proud of the bipartisan efforts of the Ways and Means Committee to advance this bill. While my mother is no longer with us, I know that she is smiling down from Heaven. The legacy of Nancy Gardner Sewell will live on in the millions of Americans whose lives will be changed by this legislation. I look forward to harnessing our momentum to get this bill across the finish line.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Arrington, the Ways and Means Committee is continuing to champion access to quality health care for America’s seniors,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Cancer diagnoses can take a terrible toll on individuals and their families as well as lead to the need for long-term and costly health care services. As chairman of the House Budget Committee, Representative Arrington is laser focused on saving taxpayer dollars and defending the long-term fiscal health of our nation as well. By gaining access to multi-cancer early detection screening, we can save lives and reduce the cost of care for America’s seniors and taxpayers.”

Honoring Nancy Gardner Sewell

Arrington named the legislation in honor of the mother of his Democrat colleague, Rep. Terri Sewell, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021. Last year, the legislation was passed out of the Ways & Means Committee by a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 38-0.

Dallas Cowboys

Last year, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott paid for the entire team’s staff to receive MCED screening, leading to the early detection of Cowboy’s Vice President of Communications Tad Carper’s cancer in his tonsils – detecting his cancer before any symptoms had appeared. Carper credits the screening with saving his life, and has since advocated for increased accessibility, as seen in his open-letter to Chairman Arrington from November 22, 2024.

“This is critical for so many across our nation. A true game-changing life-saver. I was lucky enough to benefit from the access Dak provided. It shouldn’t need to come to that, though,” said Tad Carper, Vice President of Communications for the Dallas Cowboys. “You have to step back and ask, why in the world would this not be something that is easily and affordably available to everyone? What are our priorities? Isn’t this also creating a great financial savings for all compared to the alternative of catching things late in the game? It is inexcusable for this to be available, yet hitting roadblocks and delays. I applaud the efforts currently being made to save lives and the work being done by leaders like Representative Arrington and others to focus on what is needed.”

Dak Prescott’s mother, Peggy Prescott, passed away in 2013 from colon cancer that was not diagnosed until it had progressed to stage 4. If it had been available, MCED screening could have potentially saved her life. 

“If early detection was easy and available, my mother and so many others would still be alive,” said Dak Prescott, Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. “The science and technology exist right now to dramatically reduce the impact of cancer and change the story of countless people and families for generations to come. We need this now. There is no acceptable reason for delay. This is literally about life and death, like it was for Tad.”

National Coalition Support

Meagan O’Neill, Executive Director, Association of Cancer Care Centers, said, “MCED tests hold tremendous potential to transform cancer care by enabling earlier detection, but their promise hinges on accessibility. ACCC commends the nearly 400 members of Congress who supported this pivotal legislation last year and is thrilled to see it reintroduced today. Collaboration will be key to its passage, and ACCC is committed to advancing policies that integrate MCED tests to save more lives through earlier cancer detection.” 

Daneen Sekoni, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, Cancer Support Community, said, "We are heartened that our leaders in Congress have reintroduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This bipartisan legislation, which is supported by nearly 400 members of Congress, would create a new coverage pathway, giving people on Medicare access to new, breakthrough screening technologies that detect cancer. The creation of new cancer screening tests is the first step toward saving more lives by detecting cancers that currently do not have screening tests. As an organization whose mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care, we are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly and Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden for prioritizing patient access to the latest cancer screening technology. We look forward to swift passage of an already widely supported bill.”

Molly McDonnell, Vice President of Advocacy, Fight Colorectal Cancer said, “There is exciting progress being made in the cancer early detection space, and we have seen the power of that in colorectal cancer. Access to tools like MCED tests can help catch cancer earlier when it is easier to treat. We support our leaders in Congress who are dedicated to changing the statistics around cancer in this country by advancing this effort.” 

President and CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose, GO2 for Lung Cancer said, “The lung cancer community understands the importance of cancer screening tests. Earlier detection allows for more treatment options, and, potentially, a cure. In the case of lung cancer, fewer than six percent of eligible Americans have been screened, and some states have screening rates as low as one percent. This is why access to MCED tests through this legislation is so critical. We urge Congress to pick up on the incredible support this bill enjoyed last year and quickly pass it.”

Christine E. Hamp, President, National Grange said, “Cancer has a unique impact on rural Americans, where early detection is hindered by limited access to specialty care. Access to MCED tests could bring the latest screening technology to communities who often don’t get to enjoy the latest technology that allows them to take control of their health. This legislation can reduce rural healthcare disparities by finding more cancers earlier - improving outcomes. We’re proud to support the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, now reintroduced in Congress. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to pass it.”

Dr. Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum said, “Passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act / Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is essential for communities who face barriers to routine cancer screenings. Multi-cancer early detection tests are a breakthrough science that has brought us to the edge of the war on cancer. However, nearly half of the American population on public insurance - including medically underserved, minoritized and poor communities - do not have access to life-saving technology. For the communities NMQF works in nationwide - from Flint to Houston to Selma - the people know that access to multi-cancer early detection tests could mean life or death. We are glad to see this widely supported legislation be put forth in front of Congress once again with its reintroduction. Now is the time for passage.” 

Audra Moran, President and CEO, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance said, “The reintroduction of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act marks an important step forward in the fight against ovarian and other cancers. Multi-cancer early detection tests have the potential to transform outcomes for the 20,000 people who will face an ovarian cancer diagnosis this year. Passing this legislation is critical to ensuring Medicare beneficiaries have access to these groundbreaking tools that can improve cancer outcomes and enhance quality of life. We are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly, as well as Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden, for their leadership and commitment to putting patients first.” 

Jody Hoyos, CEO, Prevent Cancer Foundation said, “We have the opportunity to chart a course that revolutionizes the ability to detect cancer in earlier stages, leadings to lives and families saved.  It’s time to seize that opportunity and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to multi-cancer early detection tests following FDA approval.  We are grateful to Reps. Arrington, Hudson, Sewell, Ruiz, Miller-Meeks, and Kelly and Senators Crapo, Bennet, Scott, and Wyden for recognizing the need and standing up for Americans.”

State Support

Texas: Tom Aldred, Executive Director of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute said, "We are thrilled to see Congressman Jodey Arrington reintroduce H.R.842. As long-time supporters of this legislation, we strongly believe that MCED has the potential to save billions of dollars in treatment costs annually, and more importantly save thousands of lives. We urge Congress to move quickly to enact this legislation into law this year.”  

Alabama: Jim Crandall, Founder of Laura Crandall Brown Foundation said, “Rep. Terri Sewell's leadership on the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is a beacon of hope for countless lives. By creating a pathway for Medicare coverage of innovative blood tests that detect cancers earlier, she is paving the way for a future where prevention and early detection save more families from heartbreak.  We are inspired by her dedication and hopeful that this year marks a historic step forward in the fight against cancer.”

Colorado: Erika Hanson Brown, Founder and CEO, One Cancer Place said, “We applaud Senator Bennet for his commitment to the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This vital legislation paves the way for Medicare to provide coverage for groundbreaking cancer screenings, offering new hope to millions of Americans. Multi-cancer early detection is a game-changer in the fight against cancer, and this bill is a significant step toward ensuring access to those who need it most. Senator Bennet’s steadfast commitment to improving cancer care will make a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and caregivers across the nation.” 

Idaho: Susie Keller, Chief Executive Officer of the Idaho Medical Association said, “Congress has an opportunity to improve access to innovative cancer screenings and transform cancer care for Idaho seniors while reducing Medicare spending,” said Susie Keller, Chief Executive Officer of the Idaho Medical Association. “Seven in ten cancer deaths are caused by cancers for which there are currently no covered screening tests, which are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Thanks to Senator Crapo’s leadership, more than 500 advocates and nearly 400 members of Congress have already signaled their support for this legislation. We are proud to support this legislation and urge Congress to pass it swiftly.” 

Illinois: Beulah Brent, CEO of Sisters Working It Out said, “We applaud Rep. Robin Kelly for taking up the mantle of MCED access. Reintroducing H.R.842 is a powerful signal that Congress is serious about turning the tide in the war on cancer. It’s well-established that cancer is easiest to treat when it’s detected in the earlier stages and these groundbreaking, minimally-invasive cancer screenings represent an opportunity to radically transform cancer detection and treatment. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bipartisan bill swiftly.” 

Iowa: Dwight Baldwin, President, Iowa State Grange said, “We extend our gratitude to Representative Miller-Meeks for reintroducing H.R.842, which would create a path forward for meaningful access to multi-cancer early detection tests for Iowans and improve screening access for rural Americans. We are proud to once again join in the chorus that calls on Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

North Carolina: Jimmy Gentry, President of North Carolina State Grange said, “Nearly 1 in 5 Americans live in rural areas and cancer deaths in these rural areas are 14% higher than urban areas. No matter where you live, everyone should have the same chance at beating cancer. We were thrilled to see Representative Hudson reintroduce the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and we are looking forward to seeing Congress pass the bill this year.” 

Oregon: Anna DeMers, cancer survivor and Board President of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon & SW Washington said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Wyden for his long dedication to improving the health and well-being of Oregonians. We appreciate your leadership in championing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, an important step forward in advancing access to life-saving cancer screenings for seniors. We are proud to walk alongside you in this effort and are looking forward to working together to pass the bill this year.” 

South Carolina: Palmetto Health Collective said, "We are deeply grateful to Senator Scott for his years of leadership in reintroducing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This legislation creates a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, bringing promise to seniors in South Carolina and nationwide. We are proud to support this effort and appreciate Senator Scott’s commitment to expanding access to innovative, life-changing technologies.” 

Letters of Support for H.R. 842 from the following organizations:

• Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC)
• Cancer Support Community (CSC)
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
• GO2 for Lung Cancer
• The National Grange
• National Minority Quality Forum Action Network
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
• Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF)
• Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
• Gilda’s Club Kansas City

Background

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would increase seniors’ timely access to multi-cancer early detection technology by creating a pathway to Medicare coverage. This bill will allow for Medicare coverage of MCED screenings once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These new MCED screening tools will complement existing screening and dramatically improve our nation’s cancer early detection capabilities. Currently, we are only able to commonly screen for five cancers and just 14% of cancers are found through screenings. These tools introduce a significant shift in the cancer screening landscape. Ensuring seniors have timely access is essential since age is the primary risk factor for cancer and more than 70% of cancer diagnoses are in the Medicare population. This legislation will open the door to a new era of detecting and treating cancer while ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind. 

Specifically, the legislation would: 

1.     Create the authority for CMS to cover blood-based MCED tests and future test methods once approved by the FDA and shown to have clinical benefit. 

2.     Maintain CMS’ authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests. 

3.     Clarify that (1) these new tools will complement, not replace, existing screenings and coverage and (2) cost sharing will not be impacted.

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