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SF 2048

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa bill mandates insurance and Medicaid coverage of annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals with no out-of-pocket costs to enable early detection.

Subcommittee: Sweeney, Donahue, and Webster.
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Bill Summary · SF 2048

Legislative bill overview

SF 2048 would require insurance plans and Iowa Medicaid to cover annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals without cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles). The bill expands access to preventive lung cancer screening services, likely using low-dose CT scans as the screening method for eligible populations.

Why is this important

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of any cancer in the U.S., but early detection through screening significantly improves survival rates. Many at-risk individuals—particularly current and former smokers—avoid screening due to cost barriers. This bill removes financial obstacles to preventive care, potentially catching cancers at earlier, more treatable stages and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "at-risk": The bill's criteria for eligibility (age range, smoking history, pack-years) will determine how many Iowans qualify and the fiscal impact on insurers and Medicaid
  • Medicaid cost burden: Expanded preventive services increase state Medicaid expenditures; questions about funding source and whether costs are adequately projected
  • Insurance premium impacts: Insurers may argue that mandated coverage without cost-sharing increases premiums for all policyholders, even those with lower lung cancer risk

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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