For Menendez, Payne Of NJ, These Health Care Bills Are Personal

NEWARK, NJ — Sen. Robert Menendez’s mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s father passed away from colorectal cancer. And now, the two New Jersey lawmakers are highlighting their own personal losses to push for two federal bills that could help prevent future family heartaches.

On Wednesday, Menendez announced that bipartisan legislation he sponsored – and which passed the Senate in August – has unanimously cleared the House.

The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, which is also sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Chuck Grassley of Iowa, will now head to the desk of President Donald Trump.

According to Menendez, who has an office in Newark, the bill would ensure that the U.S. Department of Justice’s elder abuse training materials include guidelines for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The bill builds on the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017.

“I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer’s, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Menendez said.

“I am thrilled that our legislation is now heading to the president’s desk for his signature,” Menendez continued. “This bill will ensure those with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement.”

The legislation is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, Elder Justice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B’nai B’rith International, Gerontological Society of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders.

FIGHTING COLORECTAL CANCER

Last week, Rep. Payne made a push to add colorectal cancer surgeries to the list of services covered under Medicare before the new year.

Payne, who represents the state’s 10th District, wrote a letter to House and Senate leadership to add his bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 1570), to any end-of-the-year legislative package.

Currently, Medicare covers colorectal cancer screenings, but not surgeries. If doctors find and remove cancerous growths during a screening, patients could end up paying thousands of dollars for the removal.

The proposed law would allow Medicare to cover the screenings and the surgeries so patients can avoid a “surprise” medical charge, Payne said.

According to Payne, if successful, the move could increase the number of Americans who get screened for the disease and save thousands of lives; colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in U.S. cancer deaths every year.

The bill has gained 342 co-sponsors since its introduction.

“It has been my mission to prevent colorectal cancer deaths since I lost my father, Congressman Donald Payne Sr., to the deadly disease,” Payne said.

“My bill would give doctors more freedom to treat and remove cancerous growths when they find them and improve the health and safety of millions of Americans at risk for colorectal cancer,” the congressman said.

• See related article: Local Reaction to the Death of Congressman Donald Payne
• See related article: Rep. Payne Makes Plea After Chadwick Boseman Dies: Get Screened

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