Bipartisan cancer detection legislation championed by Rep. Sewell takes step forward

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 842, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act, in a bipartisan vote of 341 to 88. Named for the late Nancy Gardner Sewell—the mother of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07)—the act aims to create a pathway for Medicare to cover new MCED screenings, which hold the potential to detect dozens of forms of cancer with a simple blood test.

Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act passes House of Representatives

According to a press release from the office of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), the House of Representatives passed H.R. 842 in a package of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills which passed the House on Thursday, January 2 by a bipartisan vote of 341 to 88.

“Today, the House took a major bipartisan step toward giving our seniors their best shot at catching cancer early. I am overjoyed that the House passed our bipartisan bill, the Nancy Gardner Sewell MCED Act. This critical milestone is years in the making, and was only made possible thanks to the efforts of amazing organizations, survivors, and patient advocates.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) 

Currently, 70% of cancer deaths occur in cancers with no screenings—however, thanks to cutting-edge scientific advancements, new Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) screenings are emerging which could potentially detect dozens of forms of cancer with a simple blood test. Under current law, it could take more than a decade for Medicare to have the authority to cover these screenings once approved by the FDA.

“Today marks a historic milestone in cancer prevention and early detection. With the passage of this legislation, groundbreaking multi-cancer early detection tests have a path forward to reach older Americans, bringing lifesaving innovation to those who need it most.

This achievement reflects unprecedented, bipartisan collaboration and the dedication of hundreds of organizations working together to ensure that early detection saves lives and reduces long-standing health inequities. We celebrate this moment and move closer to a future where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.”

Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare MCED Screening Coverage Act would:

• Create the authority for CMS to cover blood-based MCED tests and future test methods once approved by the FDA and shown to have clinical benefit. 
• Maintain CMS’ authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests. 
• Clarify that (1) these new tools will complement, not replace, existing screenings and coverage and (2) cost sharing will not be impacted.

In the 118th Congress, the bill’s lead Republican sponsor, Rep. Jodey Arrington, surprised Rep. Sewell by naming it after her mother, the late Nancy Gardner Sewell, who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in June 2021. The Nancy Gardner Sewell MCED Screening Coverage Act was the most co-sponsored bill in the 119th Congress, with 339 House co-sponsors and 68 Senate co-sponsors.

“I am especially grateful to Congressman Arrington for his close partnership and for naming the bill after my mother, the late Nancy Gardner Sewell. I know that she would be immensely proud of the work we are doing to provide greater access early detection cancer screenings. Her legacy will live on in the millions of Americans whose lives will be changed this legislation.”

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) 

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate where Rep. Sewell urged its quick consideration and passage.

Excited to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House? Tag us @thebamabuzz to let us know!