Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Find It Early Act

Summary

The "Find It Early Act" aims to improve breast cancer detection by ensuring no-cost coverage for additional breast screenings for individuals at higher risk. This includes those with increased risk factors or dense breast tissue. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, the Social Security Act, and Title 10 of the United States Code to eliminate cost-sharing for these screenings under group health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs programs, starting January 1, 2026.

Expected Effects

The act will likely increase the frequency of breast cancer screenings among high-risk individuals. By removing financial barriers, the bill intends to promote earlier detection and improve treatment outcomes. This could lead to reduced healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer treatment.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased access to breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals.
  • Elimination of cost-sharing promotes preventative care.
  • Potential for earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.
  • Reduced healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer.
  • Improved health equity across different demographics.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in healthcare costs due to more frequent screenings.
  • Possible strain on healthcare resources and infrastructure.
  • Risk of false positives leading to unnecessary follow-up procedures.
  • Administrative burden for healthcare providers and insurers.
  • Potential for increased premiums for all insured individuals.

Constitutional Alignment

The "Find It Early Act" appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). By promoting public health through increased access to preventative screenings, the act can be argued to fall within the powers granted to Congress to provide for the well-being of the population. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).