Preventive screenings save lives and save money

No one wants to be diagnosed with cancer, but for the best outcome, timing is key.

New research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) highlights the power of no-cost preventive screenings offered by health insurance providers. The screenings allow people to catch cancers earlier, which leads to better outcomes, less invasive treatments, and lower costs for both patients and the overall health system.

Early action pays off

To conduct the research, a team analyzed Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) deidentified claims data from across the U.S. for people diagnosed with breast or colon cancer.

Researchers looked at people whose cancer was detected through a preventive screening versus a diagnostic test. A diagnostic test typically occurs as a result of a patient reporting a symptom.

In the case of colon cancer, the study found that 81.4% of members diagnosed via preventive screening were classified as early stage versus 66.8% after symptoms appeared.

When it comes to breast cancer, 86% of cancers detected through preventive screening were caught at an early stage. When these cancers were detected via diagnostic testing, 77.3% were at an early stage.

Detecting cancer at an earlier stage is linked with lower risk of spread and the need for less invasive treatment, consistent with broader clinical evidence.

The study noted that average per‑patient spending in the 12 months after diagnosis is significantly lower when cancer is diagnosed due to a preventive screening.

Cancers diagnosed through preventive screening have lower near-term treatment costs; for breast cancer, costs were 9.7% lower at 90 days and 20.4% lower at 12 months, and for colorectal cancer, costs were lower by 23.2% and 33% over the same period.

Individual market coverage connects millions to preventive services

Free preventive screenings are covered under federal law and are commonly available through either individual market coverage or employer-provided coverage. Another analysis of BCBS claims found that 5.6 million individual market members made a total of 18.8 million visits that included preventive care through their plan in 2023. This is coverage that is there for people when they need it most.

Most preventive visits (72%) had $0 out-of-pocket costs. BCBS health insurance providers paid for the $1.5 billion in covered preventive services, so families had access to essential screenings without having to worry about straining the family budget.

BCBS innovations that remove barriers and bring care to families

BCBS companies are committed to ensuring that our members receive the care they need, from mammograms to well-child visits.

Diagnostic breast cancer studies and MRIs are now covered at 100% with $0 out-of-pocket costs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members. This ensures cost is never a reason to delay essential care.

Mobile health units in Los Angeles deliver mammograms and pediatric visits at one stop.Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan offers childcare during appointments, making it easy for families to get multiple screenings. Since 2022, the program has brought preventive care to more than 2,100 members at over 120 community events.

Prevention is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep people healthy and lower costs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are leading the way, one visit at a time.