Comment on CMS-2026-2081-0001
American College of GastroenterologySupportAdvocacy
Summary: The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) supports the review of the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) framework and urges CMS to clarify that follow-up surveillance colonoscopies for asymptomatic patients with a history of polyps should be classified as "screening" rather than "diagnostic." They argue that this change is clinically appropriate, consistent with USPSTF recommendations, and would remove cost-sharing barriers for patients at risk of colorectal cancer.
The American College of Gastroenterology appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services request for information entitled, Comprehensive Review of the Essential Health Benefits Framework and Typical Employer Plan Standard. We appreciate that the Administration is taking steps to review the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) framework, including the scope of benefits included as EHB.