He announced that he and Sen. John Breaux, ranking member, will write to the Appropriations Committee asking for more money to educate beneficiaries about their benefits. The Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 drastically cut the amount authorized to be collected by user fees, which had been funding the program. Therefore, the program will become virtually obsolete unless money is appropriated to make up the difference, Grassley said. Grassley said the education program is important for ensuring the use of a variety of preventive services, including colon cancer, that Congress added to Medicare in 1997. It's also for keeping them well.
Colon cancer is a good example.
The risk of colon cancer increases with age, but there's no reason to live in fear. Screenings are available, and they work. A few minutes in the doctor's office bring great peace of mind. Grassley and Breaux have published a colon cancer checklist for older Americans.