Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025
The Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 would require the Comptroller General (head of the GAO) to submit to Congress a report within one year evaluating esophageal cancer within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The report must assess two things: (1) the total health care spending related to esophageal cancer for FEHBP enrollees diagnosed with the disease, and (2) how often high-risk FEHBP enrollees receive esophageal cancer screening in line with established guidelines. The bill emphasizes that esophageal cancer is a rapidly increasing and deadly cancer, highlights the importance of early detection (including screening for Barrett’s esophagus as a precursor), and references existing screening guidance from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Overall, the bill aims to quantify costs and screening practices within the FEHBP to inform policy and awareness efforts.
Key Points
- 1Short title: This Act may be cited as the “Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025.”
- 2Purpose and findings: The bill notes rising esophageal cancer incidence, its lethality, the role of early detection, and the potential impact of screening, including Barrett’s esophagus as a precursor and AGA-recommended risk-based screening criteria.
- 3GAO/Comptroller General reporting requirement: Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress evaluating FEHBP-related esophageal cancer health care spending and screening practices among high-risk enrollees.
- 4Definition of Program: The report’s scope covers the FEHBP program (the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program) as defined under chapter 89 of title 5 U.S.C.
- 5Scope of the report: The report must cover (1) total FEHBP spending tied to esophageal cancer care for diagnosed individuals, and (2) the frequency of screening for high-risk individuals who have medical records indicating elevated risk, in accordance with established guidelines.