WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) introduced the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-Risk Insured Men Act or the “PSA Screening for HIM Act.” This legislation would require private health insurance plans to cover preventative prostate cancer screenings for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Currently, men with a family history of prostate cancer often face cost-sharing requirements on their health insurance plans to obtain preventative screenings. This cost-sharing imposes a barrier on men attempting to access this potentially lifesaving intervention.'

“As a urologist who has dedicated much of his professional life to men’s health, I know that preventative screenings for prostate cancer and early detection are vital to ensuring successful patient outcomes and can be lifesaving,” said Congressman Dunn. “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and can be life-threatening if not addressed in its early stages. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should not have to face any additional costs for being proactive and seeking preventative screenings. I’m proud to have strong bipartisan support for this legislation and look forward to leading the effort to keep American men healthy.”

“Prostate cancer is an issue that has personally affected my relatives and so many other Black families. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States, with Black men being disproportionately impacted and over twice as likely to die following a diagnosis. To address the disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, we must ensure at-risk populations have access to prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. When diagnosed early enough, the survival rate is almost 100%. Together, we can beat this horrible disease,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

“Patients should not face the barrier of rising medical costs when it comes to receiving lifesaving health screening services,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “As a practicing urologist who still cares for patients with prostate cancer, it is crucial for men who are at high risk to receive preventative screenings. The PSA Screening for HIM Act will remove a significant barrier that prevents far too many from accessing early detection. PSA screening saves lives and should be afforded to every at-risk male.”

"As the daughter of a prostate cancer survivor, I know the pain and uncertainty that tragic diagnosis brings all too well. Though years have passed since my father’s recovery, today, prostate cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death for men in the U.S. – a figure that is even more dire for Black men. The PSA Screening for HIM Act would remove cost-sharing roadblocks of PSA Testing for those at highest risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, including Black men and those with a family history. While we continue our work to one day ensure no American suffers from prostate cancer, I’m proud to co-lead legislation to help eliminate disparities and barriers when screening for this heartbreaking disease," said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“Early detection of prostate cancer is absolutely critical to survival. We are grateful for Rep. Dunn and Rep. Clarke's personal commitment to eliminating financial barriers that stand between men and longer, healthier lives and for their introduction of the PSA Screening for HIM Act," said ZERO Prostate Cancer CEO Courtney Bugler.

“Out of pocket costs can be a major obstacle to accessing screening,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. “The PSA Screening for HIM Act will help remove this barrier and enable those at high risk to get the prostate cancer screening tests they need to detect prostate cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.”

Background:

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. It is estimated that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Congressman Dunn is joined by Congressman Troy Carter (Louisiana-02), Congresswoman Yvette Clark (New York-09), and Congressman Greg Murphy (North Carolina-03).

Read the full text of the bill here.