ACLA Tri-Cmte Comment ltr 6-29-09

American Clinical Laboratory AssociationJune 29, 2009 Representative George Miller, Chairman Education and Labor Committee Representative Charles B. Rangel, Chairman Ways and Means Committee Representative Henry A. Waxman, Chairman Energy and Commerce Committee RE: Tri-Committee House Health Reform Draft Language Dear Chairmen Miller, Rangel and Waxman: The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) applauds your combined efforts to focus attention on early detection and prevention in the discussion health reform language. Early detection and intervention for chronic diseases, which represents 75% of our health care spending, is absolutely essential. The cost of laboratory testing - the most cost effective and earliest intervention for patients - represents only 2.3% of the current $2 trillion in health care spending. ACLA is pleased to provide comment on the Tri-Committee House Health Reform Draft Language. ACLA commends and fully supports the committee’s recognition to eliminate any cost sharing for preventive and clinical diagnostic services, waive the deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests and extend the technical component grandfather through 2011. Below are technical comments on other sections of the language. The emphasis is on expanding the criteria used by the USPSTF to make recommendations for preventive screening services. Finally, ACLA encourages the inclusion of HR 1699 “Patient Access to ...