Screening colonoscopies are free due to the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act mandates that both private insurers and Medicare cover the entire cost of colorectal cancer screening tests because these tests are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

I had a screening colonoscopy in May 2022 and received a bill for $879.44 after insurance payments. Fortunately, I happened to read an article at NPR.org indicating that due to the Affordable Care Act, patients should pay nothing for this test. I sent numerous emails to the health care provider, the insurance company and the Michigan Insurance Commissioner explaining the law, and the insurance company finally canceled the balance.

From the outset, I decided to document my actions through social media. Recently, a Channel 7 (Detroit) anchor, Keenan Smith, saw the post and interviewed me as part of his campaign to publicize these free screenings and push for any follow-up exams to also be free. The interview was posted today. I am grateful to Mr. Smith for his efforts to promote cancer prevention and screenings.

Note: the accompanying article is accurate except that I do not work at the University of Michigan.