H.R. 1826/S.2821 | PSA Screening for HIM Act (Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men)
It’s undeniable that cancer screenings can save lives.
When detected in its earlier stages, prostate cancer can be more effectively treated, leading to better outcomes for patients and more lives saved.
You can be part of ensuring more people can access lifesaving prostate cancer screenings, and it won’t cost you a dollar. Sounds great, right?
This bill would give high risk men (African Americans and those with a family history) improved access to prostate cancer screening by requiring health insurance coverage for evidence-based tests like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, without cost sharing.
Background:
ACS CAN supports the PSA Screening for HIM Act (H.R. 1826) because all men at high-risk for prostate cancer who decide to move forward with screening after a discussion with their health care provider about screening and treatment for prostate cancer should have access to screening that is barrier-free without cost sharing.
Main Points:
Black men in the US have among the highest documented prostate cancer rate in the world, and their cancer deaths are one of the greatest mortality disparities in oncology.
Prostate cancer is the leading cancer type for Black men, accounting for 37% of all new cases. One in six Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Early detection is key. Prostate cancer survival rates increase when it is detected early; however, there has been a recent increase in diagnosis of men with advanced prostate cancer.
The Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act would give men at high-risk for prostate cancer improved access to prostate cancer screening by requiring health insurance coverage for evidence-based prostate cancer preventive care and screenings, like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, without cost sharing (deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, or similar charges).
More on Prostate Cancer: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
TAKE ACTION
Currently, we need support from our two California Senators: Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler. So, we need to let them know that this is an issue we care about!
Getting to Know the Representatives
Conduct a power analysis on the representatives or build on existing information.
Subscribe to their newsletters (on their website) and social media to stay up to date on town halls and other information.
Call their office or use their forms to “Share Your Opinion” or get to know theirs on a topic.
Drop things off at their office for them!
Email Our Senators
Simply send a message to your members of Congress today. Urge them to pass a bill that provides free prostate cancer screenings to those at high risk for the disease. It will only take you a minute with our easy action form.
Postcard Activity
We’ve delivered hundreds of handwritten postcards to Senate offices in Washington, D.C. urging senators to support and pass these bills.
Secure two postcards – ideally featuring your city or town – or download and print this postcard.
Write a message to your Senators on the postcard. You can write something like: “Dear [your Senator’s name], we need your help to save more lives from prostate cancer. Please cosponsor the PSA for HIM Act, which provides free prostate cancer screenings for those at high-risk for the disease. Lives are on the line!”
Share on social media (optional). Take a selfie holding your postcards and post tagging the Senators (@Senlaphonza / @SenAlexPadilla) on X (Twitter) Sample message: The #PSAforHimAct would provide free prostate cancer screenings for those at high-risk for the disease, saving lives from #ProstateCancer. @Senatorxxxx please cosponsor this bill and urge Congress to pass it this year.
If you are in Los Angeles, Jamie Escoto or Kira Sano will help you deliver postcards! Let them know you are interested!
If you want to include photos of the person you are fighting for, please drop them in this drive folder and name the file your name.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dLjN0YXsWGrc_6bAU3mHsBjEtYTuQnGg?usp=sharing
