Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Backs Continued Colorectal Screenings for Medicare Beneficiaries
Washington, DC,
March 12, 2009
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) has signed a letter with other members of Congress protesting a coverage decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would eliminate virtual colonoscopies for Medicare beneficiaries.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) has signed a letter with other members of Congress protesting a coverage decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would eliminate virtual colonoscopies for Medicare beneficiaries. “We should not deny Medicare recipients this safe and cost-effective screening method, and it is wrong for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to propose not covering these critical screenings,” said Luetkemeyer, who noted that March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. “I am extremely honored to join my colleagues in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover virtual colonoscopies that can help save hundreds of lives each year.” In Missouri, 3,441 Missourians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005, according to the Missouri Information for Community Assessment. In 2007, 1,160 Missourians lost their battle to colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death in the United States, despite having a 90 percent cure rate.
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