A fresh program launching this fall will provide free Cologuard colon cancer screening tests to eligible members of Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), the organization announced this week. The initiative, a partnership with Exact Sciences, aims to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among those at average risk, aged 45 and older.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it is highly preventable with regular screening. Current guidelines recommend that individuals begin regular screenings at age 45. Despite these recommendations, millions remain overdue for testing. The Cologuard test offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopies, potentially increasing participation in screening programs.
Cologuard is a prescription-based, at-home test that analyzes stool samples for both blood and abnormal DNA, indicators of potential colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. The test kit is mailed directly to eligible CCA members, and samples are returned to Exact Sciences Laboratories for analysis. Results are typically available within approximately two weeks, and patients are directly notified when their results are ready.
The CCA program specifically targets members aged 45 and over who are considered at average risk, identified through claims data. Individuals with a prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, those who have had a screening within the past six months, or those with high-risk conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or hereditary syndromes are excluded from the program.
Positive Cologuard results will trigger outreach to encourage patients to schedule a follow-up colonoscopy, considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer diagnosis. If initial outreach attempts are unsuccessful after three tries, a letter will be mailed to the patient. Healthcare providers identified as the member’s primary care physician will receive the test results via mail or fax.
Exact Sciences launched Cologuard Plus in March 2025, claiming it to be the most accurate noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test available, demonstrating 95% sensitivity for cancer detection with 94% specificity. While Cologuard Plus offers increased accuracy, the CCA program is currently utilizing the standard Cologuard test.
For questions or to obtain results, providers and patients can contact Cologuard Provider Support at 1-844-870-8870 or utilize their online chat service, available 24/7. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance notes that while Cologuard is generally covered by most insurance plans, follow-up colonoscopies after a positive test may not always be covered.
