New Jersey Expands Access to Preventative Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Governor Murphy approves bill to remove financial barriers to colorectal cancer screenings in NJ, aiming to reduce incidence and mortality across the state

TRENTON, NJ – February 2, 2023 –Earlier today, Governor Murphy signed legislation to expand access to preventive colorectal cancer screenings. A-3523/ S-2305 is a vital new law that will eliminate financial barriers to lifesaving screenings.

Half of colorectal cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented each year if every individual age 45 and older received recommended colorectal cancer screenings. People are often deterred from getting screening because of out-of-pocket expenses associated with recommended services, such as a follow-up colonoscopy, presenting a barrier that inhibits the completion of the colorectal cancer screening process.

This new law will require health insurers to cover colorectal cancer screenings recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and eliminate cost-sharing for required follow-up colonoscopies with the goal of improving screening rates across the state.

“With Governor Murphy’s signature, New Jersey has secured a major victory. In 2023, an estimated 4,220 New Jerseyans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and, by year’s end, we can expect to lose 1,360 neighbors to the preventable disease. In passing this legislation, our state can better work to reduce colorectal cancer incidence rates and save lives,” said Jade Bechelli, New Jersey Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “NJ lawmakers and Governor Murphy should be incredibly proud of this legislation. It represents a huge step toward dismantling disparities and improving health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. ACS CAN applauds our state leaders and various stakeholders for prioritizing New Jerseyans’ access to critical care.”

ACS CAN thanks Assemblymembers Benson, Stanley and Conaway and Senators Gopal and Greenstein for their leadership on this critical legislation. ACS CAN looks forward to the impact this will have on cancer prevention and early detection in New Jersey.

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.