Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Effort to Address Health Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Care

ATLANTA – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led colleagues in sending a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, calling for an end to cost-sharing for patients receiving laxative medication, commonly known as ‘colonoscopy preparation,’ ensuring they can access the care they need without cost-related disparities.

The fight against colorectal cancer (CRC) is personal for Congresswoman Nikema Williams. At 46, her mother was diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer. As she worked to ensure her mother’s care, Congresswoman Williams found herself battling insurance companies as well. She witnessed firsthand the failures of our healthcare system. This letter represents a critical step toward addressing the healthcare inequalities that persist in the United States.

The letter emphasized that cost-sharing and cost shifting to patients, imposed by health plans for colonoscopy preparation, are contributing to disparities in CRC outcomes and a clinically recognized phenomenon called “prep hesitancy.” Prep hesitancy is recognized as a significant factor that contributes to 53% of patients with a positive stool-based CRC screening test never having a follow-up colonoscopy. 

Additionally, prep hesitancy is contributing to higher rates of inadequate CRC screening among medically underserved populations. For instance, when compared to white men, CRC death rates are 46% higher in Native American and Alaskan Native men and 44% higher in Black men, with incidence gaps of 37% and 21%, respectively. Additionally, participation in CRC screening is lower in all racial/ethnic minority groups compared to White individuals.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams urges CMS to take immediate action by eliminating cost-sharing for colonoscopy preparation, ensuring equitable access to life-saving screenings and treatments for all Americans. By removing these barriers and associated costs, Congresswoman Nikema Williams believes these measures will have a significant impact on turning the tide against colorectal cancer.

The letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was signed by the following members: Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Donald Davis (NC-01), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03), Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Rep. Henry Johnson (GA-04), Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

Read the full letter here.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

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