Bill Overview
Title: Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and makes changes to the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program provides funding to states for breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for individuals who have low incomes, are uninsured, or otherwise lack access to such services.
Sponsors: Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Target Audience
Population: people with low incomes or who lack access to cancer screening services
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill reauthorizes and modifies the existing National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
- The program targets individuals who have low incomes, are uninsured, or lack access to breast and cervical cancer services.
- Breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment are critical services for early detection and management of these diseases.
- Globally, millions of individuals may fall into the category of having low incomes or lacking access to healthcare services.
- Cervical and breast cancer are significant health issues worldwide, affecting millions of women annually.
- The scope of impact for the legislation includes not just current patients but those at risk for breast and cervical cancer in underserved populations.
Reasoning
- The program focuses on individuals with low incomes or those lacking access to medical services, a group expected to benefit significantly from the SCREENS for Cancer Act.
- Budgetary constraints mean not everyone in need will benefit immediately, likely creating a graded impact across the affected population.
- The primary beneficiaries are likely to be uninsured and low-income women in high-risk categories for cervical and breast cancer.
- Some populations may already have access to similar services through other programs or insurance, reducing potential impact.
- Wellbeing scores can be difficult to predict; they depend not only on physical health improvements but also on reduced anxiety regarding health issues.
- The policy duration and funding aim for sustained improvement in access over a decade, potentially showing more pronounced benefits in later years.
Simulated Interviews
part-time cashier (rural Alabama)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't always have enough money for regular check-ups, especially for things like mammograms.
- If I can access these services without worrying about the cost, it would be a huge relief.
- Catching any problems early just seems like the right thing to do.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
freelance graphic designer (urban New York)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having lost my insurance, the program's timing could not be better.
- Community healthcare resources are stretched thin, so more focused screening could save lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
school teacher (suburban California)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important these services are available, though thankfully I don't need them, because of my insurance.
- Awareness and prevention are key; thrilled to hear funding is being expanded.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
nurse assistant (urban Chicago)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't need it personally, I've seen patients who would benefit immensely.
- Access to early detection means potentially saving lives; it's an excellent initiative.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
homemaker (rural Texas)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fear of costs often means I delay seeing a doctor, so this program is crucial for me.
- Knowing someone who died from cervical cancer makes me want to catch anything early.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
retired (urban Florida)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fixed income doesn't allow much for unexpected healthcare expenses; every bit of help counts.
- I think expanding programs like this is a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
administrative assistant (urban Seattle)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing work, study and healthcare is tough, so knowing this program exists is useful.
- It's great to have additional support for preventive care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
small business owner (suburban Illinois)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe strongly in preventive measures and early screenings, especially for those without insurance.
- Programs like these are vital to community health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
tech employee (urban San Francisco)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Affordable health options are always welcome, especially for underserved groups.
- Advocacy and early detection should be pillars of our health system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired farmer (rural Mississippi)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With kids at home, taking care of myself tends to come last.
- Free screenings would mean I don't have to make tough financial decisions about my health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $400000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $450000000)
Year 2: $420000000 (Low: $370000000, High: $470000000)
Year 3: $440000000 (Low: $390000000, High: $490000000)
Year 5: $480000000 (Low: $430000000, High: $530000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The extent to which states utilize the reauthorized funds effectively, impacting overall success in increasing screening coverage and healthcare outcomes.
- Partnership with health care providers and community health worker programs will be crucial to increase access especially in remote or underserved areas.
- Potential inflation in healthcare prices might influence the actual costs compared to projections.
- Consideration of new medical technologies that might be employed within the screening programs.