Please Help Preserve Access to
Effective Skin Cancer Care!
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the U.S.
- More Americans are diagnosed with NMSC than all other cancers combined.
- Today, 5+ million people have NMSC, and 9,500 more are diagnosed every day.
- The majority are age 65+ and depend on Medicare for access to needed care.
The Good News…
Two clinically- and cost-effective forms of NMSC treatment are available:
- Mohs Surgery is a precise surgical technique that removes NMSC layer by layer, enabling them to be examined to ensure all cancer cells are excised.
- Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) uses low-energy X-rays and imaging to deliver targeted radiation in a non-invasive, painless manner.
The Bad News…
CMS staff are reportedly considering action to eliminate access to IGSRT.
- CMS career staff are reportedly considering proposed coding and coverage changes that would eliminate IGSRT access for seniors with skin cancer.
The battle against Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer is tough enough.
Abolishing access to effective care would make it even harder.
Please urge CMS to preserve access to IGSRT!
The Results Are In:
Seniors Oppose Medicare
Coverage Change
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell and squamous cell car-cinoma, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, more Americans are diagnosed with NMSC than all other cancers combined. Today, over 5 million people have skin cancer, the majority of whom are age 65+, and 9,500 more are diagnosed with NMSC every day. Are you aware of skin cancer and the risks it poses to older Americans?
YES – 89.64%
Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) is a non-surgical treatment for NMSC that uses ultrasound imaging and low-level radiation to target cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue and eliminating the risk of harmful side effects. IGSRT has a success rate of over 99% and is frequently used by physicians to treat skin cancer patients while protecting them from being cut or scarred. Do you think it is important for skin cancer patients to have access to non-surgical treatment options like IGSRT?
YES – 97.67%
Due to its 99+% success rate, IGSRT is currently covered by the Medicare program and is widely available to older Americans for NMSC treatment. However, some government officials are expected to propose that Medicare coverage of IGSRT be eliminated. If they do this, seniors with skin cancer would no longer have access to non-surgical treatment for NMSC. Were you aware that Medicare officials are planning to eliminate this coverage?
NO – 95.11%
If Medicare eliminates coverage for IGSRT, many seniors with skin cancer would be left with only surgical options for treating their NMSC, which involves cutting their skin and can require reconstructive surgery after the procedure. As a result, a large community of concerned citizens – including physicians, nurses, and patients – is urging the Trump Administration to preserve coverage of IGSRT and instead initiate a detailed review before any changes are made. Do you think the Trump Administration should eliminate Medicare coverage of non-surgical skin cancer treatment?
NO – 96.78%
Do you think the Administration should instead pause any changes in coverage so a detailed review can take place to determine the best steps to take?
YES – 91.40%
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. If the Trump Administration takes swift action to preserve seniors’ access to non-surgical skin cancer treatment, would you support this action to maintain Medicare coverage?
YES – 93.33%
Centiment Survey of 1,024 Registered Voters Age 65+ (May 2025)