Bill · S. 5258· Senate(119-S-5258)
PREFERRED Screening Act
- Introduced
- 8/5/2026
- Last activity
- 8/5/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Cassidy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PREFERRED Screening Act," aims to amend the Social Security Act to establish a new payment model. The model will reimburse eligible providers for giving comprehensive breast cancer risk assessments and creating personalized screening and risk-reduction plans. The Secretary is tasked with implementing this model within two years of enactment. The program focuses on helping individuals understand their specific risks through data like genetic testing and family history. Providers can offer these services through in-person visits or remote methods. The ultimate goal is to test if this reimbursement changes how breast cancer screening and risk-reduction services are provided.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would women be better off under this?+8
The bill focuses on preventing and detecting breast cancer, a health issue that primarily affects women.
Would people in middle age be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically targets individuals aged 40 to 75 for breast cancer risk assessments.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
The program benefits Medicare beneficiaries within the age range of 40 to 75.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Personalized Health Planning: Eligible individuals will receive personalized screening and risk-reduction plans based on their specific risk assessments (Section 2, paragraph 1A).
- Comprehensive Risk Information: Assessments will include vital data such as genetic testing results for several specific genes, family history, breast density, and lifestyle factors (Section 2, paragraph 2A).
- Targeted Screening Recommendations: Plans can include specific recommendations for the frequency and type of screenings, such as mammography, MRI, or ultrasounds (Section 2, paragraph 2B).
- Preventative Guidance: Individuals may receive counseling on modifiable risk factors like weight management, physical activity, and alcohol consumption, as well as counseling regarding endocrine risk-reducing medications (Section 2, paragraph 2B).
- Increased Access for Underserved Areas: The bill directs the Secretary to prioritize providers in health professional shortage areas, medically underserved areas, and rural areas with limited access to genetic counseling (Section 2, paragraph 4C).
- Flexible Delivery Options: Services can be provided through traditional in-person office visits or remote methods, including home genetic testing kits (Section 2, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Eligibility: The benefits of this model are restricted to individuals between the ages of 40 and 75 who are entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B, and who do not have end-stage renal disease or receive hospice care (Section 2, paragraph 11A).
- Exclusion of Medicare Advantage: The current scope of the model does not include individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan under part C (Section 2, paragraph 11A).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+8Good For Middle Aged+7Good For Seniors+7Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Retirees+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- 8/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska