This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Insurance providers expand access to Cologuard colon cancer screening test
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Cologuard, a noninvasive colon cancer screening test, is now covered for more than 90 million Medicare and commercially insured individuals as a result of several insurance providers covering the test, the manufacturer announced today.
Several insurance providers have begun covering Cologuard (Exact Sciences) this year, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Excellus BCBS WNY and Dean Health Plan, according to a press release.
“As adoption of Cologuard grows rapidly among leading insurance providers, Exact Sciences is encouraged that the medical community continues to believe in the value of offering this additional noninvasive screening test to average risk patients,” Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, said in the release. “With expanded patient access to the test, we are excited about the opportunity to reach millions of people and continue to support awareness and options for colorectal cancer screening nationwide.”
Cologuard is an easy-to-use screening test that can be performed at home, and it is indicated for people aged 50 years and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer, the release said. Approved by the FDA in August 2014, it is the first noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test that analyzes both sDNA and blood biomarkers to detect cancer and precancer, and it does not require medication, dietary restrictions or bowel preparation.