July 20, 2021

New York Expands Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage for Enrollees Ages 45 to 49 Years

The New York State Department of Health issued a State Medicaid Update June 21 (June 21, 2021 Volume 37-Number 8) that expands Medicaid colorectal cancer screening coverage in accordance with new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations released in May. USPSTF published an updated B recommendation for adults ages 45–49 that will provide insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening for millions more Americans and save lives.

The New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS) worked collaboratively with the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) and the Medical Society of the State of New York to expand current colorectal cancer screening coverage to include individuals 45 to 49 years of age, as well as additional screening methods including CT colonography (CTC). CTC was named a USPSTF-recommended screening exam for persons ages 45–49 and remains so for those ages 50–75.

NYSRS now is in discussions with the New York Department of Financial Services for the issuance of similar information for enrollees of commercial health insurance policies.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Tina Getachew, ACR Government Affairs Specialist.