CMS proposed revisions to the National Coverage Determination for non‑invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests, extending coverage down to beneficiaries aged 45–85 and raising performance thresholds for covered blood‑ and stool‑based biomarker assays. Under the draft, qualifying tests must be FDA‑authorized, processed in CLIA‑certified labs, and meet post‑approval study commitments; sensitivity and specificity benchmarks were also tightened. The update aligns Medicare coverage with USPSTF guidance and clarifies data requirements for blood‑based CRC tests from companies such as Guardant, Freenome and Exact Sciences. CMS opened a comment period ahead of a final decision, signalling that market access for emerging blood tests will hinge on post‑market evidence and performance against higher standards.