Daniel Akaka: “today I introduce the Investment in Women's Health Act of 1998, a bill to increase Medicare reimbursement for Pap smear…”

“today I introduce the Investment in Women's Health Act of 1998, a bill to increase Medicare reimbursement for Pap smear laboratory tests. This is the Senate companion measure to the bill introduced in the House by my colleague and friend, Representative Neil Abercrombie. Last year, I was contacted by pathologists who alerted me to the cost-payment differential for Pap smear testing in Hawaii. According to the American Pathology Foundation, Hawaii is one of 23 states where the cost of performing the test significantly exceeds the Medicare payment. In Hawaii, the cost of performing the test ranges between $13.04 and $15.80. The Medicare reimbursement rate is only $7.15. This large disparity between the reimbursement rate and the actual cost may force labs in Hawaii and other states to discontinue Pap smear testing. Additionally, the below-cost-reimbursement may compel some labs to process tests faster and in higher volume to improve cost efficiency. This situation increases the risk of inaccurate results and can severely handicap patient outcomes. If the Pap smear is to continues an effective cancer screening tool, it must remain widely available and reasonably priced for all women. Adequate payment is a necessary component of ensuring women's continued access to quality Pap smears. My bill will increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for Pap smear lab work from its current $7.15 to $14.60--the national average cost of the test.”