The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped make preventive care recommendations by the US

Preventive Services Task Force, in particular colorectal cancer screening, more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans.

It is estimated that there was an increase of 8,400 (8%) in diagnoses of early-stage colorectal cancer among seniors between 2011 and 2013 due to the decrease in out-of-pocket costs for initial screenings, as Medicare was required to cover such costs without any patient cost-sharing.

In addition to being one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, technology

allows the greatest chance of colorectal cancer detection at an early and treatable

stage. Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer has received an “A” rating from the

task force, meaning that colonoscopies provide a definite health benefit.