I was quoting the...you know, law.
Federal law
The
Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests, because these tests are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The law stipulates that there should be no out-of-pocket costs for patients, such as co-pays or deductibles, for these screening tests. But the definition of a "screening" test can sometimes be confusing, as discussed below.
It’s important to note that the USPSTF currently recommends that people at average risk starting screening at age 50, whereas
the American Cancer Society now recommends starting at age 45. There’s nothing to stop insurers from covering the tests starting at age 45, and some are likely to do so, but
at this time insurers are not required to (and some might not) cover the cost of colorectal cancer screening before age 50.