As National Colon Cancer Awareness Month moves along, so does an innovative campaign that pays eligible individuals up to $500 for getting a colonoscopy. While colon cancer is highly preventable and curable when found early, it is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in America.
HealthEngine, a healthcare technology firm based in Chicago, is launching the Get Paid To Save™ initiative in order to raise awareness and hopefully motivate more people to undergo the potentially life-saving test. Under the Affordable Care Act the screening is now free for anyone over 50 years old who has not had a colonoscopy within the past 10 years, as well as those over 40 years old with a family history of colon cancer.
In spite of such efforts aimed at encouraging people to get screened, it is estimated that up to 40% of those recommended to have the diagnostic exam actually do so. In fact a study by the CDC recently revealed that the number one reason these people don’t get a colonoscopy is fear that it will hurt, when in fact the procedure is typically painless. “My colonos-copy saved my life,” says colon cancer survivor Gale Fritsche. “I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer during my first colonoscopy at age 50. I was a marathoner and avid cyclist. I had no symptoms. Had I not followed my doctor’s advice to be screened, I may not be here today.”
In recognition of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Health-Engine recently signed the “80 percent by 2018” pledge sponsored by the CDC and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. In doing so, the group has joined the more than 600 organizations that have committed to a shared goal of ensuring that at least 80 percent of adults aged 50 and older are regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
Through its Get Paid To Save™ campaign, HealthEngine is offering eligible healthcare consumers a payment of up to $500 when they get a recommended screening at participating healthcare providers within that person’s insurance network. A cash incentive is also available for those people who take the initiative to encourage colleagues, friends, and loved ones to get screened, aptly terming this “good colon karma.”
To learn more about this Get Paid to Save™ initiative, to book a co-lonoscopy appointment or to encourage a friend or family member, visit: getpaidtosave.com or call 877-373-6262.
