Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act
Sponsored By: Representative Castor (FL)
Introduced
Summary
Would require no-cost, no-prior-authorization annual lung cancer screening across Medicaid, Medicare, and most private health plans when recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). It would also expand Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation and fund a federal outreach campaign and a Comptroller General study to find screening gaps.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More prevention care for Medicaid enrollees
If enacted, Medicaid would have to cover an annual lung cancer screening for enrollees when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends it. States could not require prior authorization for that screening. Medicaid could not charge cost‑sharing for the screening. The bill would also require Medicaid to cover tobacco cessation counseling and medicines for all enrollees, including some over‑the‑counter drugs when prescribed. These rules would apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026. States that need new state law would get a short grace period to comply.
No prior authorization for lung screening
If enacted, Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans could not require prior authorization for an annual lung cancer screening when the Secretary issues the relevant guideline. Group and individual private health plans could not impose prior authorization for an annual lung cancer screening when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends it. These prior‑authorization bans would apply for services or plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Federal lung screening outreach program
If enacted, the Department of Health and Human Services would run an education and outreach campaign about lung cancer screening. HHS would consult patient and lung cancer groups and target outreach to people at high risk. HHS could run the work directly, hire contractors, or provide grants. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Castor (FL)
FL • D
Cosponsors
Fitzpatrick
PA • R
Sponsored 11/20/2025
Wasserman Schultz
FL • D
Sponsored 11/20/2025
Lawler
NY • R
Sponsored 11/25/2025
Gottheimer
NJ • D
Sponsored 11/25/2025
Salinas
OR • D
Sponsored 12/19/2025
McIver
NJ • D
Sponsored 2/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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