WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1286

An Act relative to colorectal and breast cancer screenings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Summary of H 1286: An Act relative to colorectal and breast cancer screenings Purpose and IntentThis bill aims to improve access to preventive cancer screenings in the state by:1.

Accompanied a study order, see H5210
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1286

Summary of H 1286: An Act relative to colorectal and breast cancer screenings

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to improve access to preventive cancer screenings in the state by:

  1. Expanding insurance coverage requirements for colorectal and breast cancer screenings
  2. Establishing new state programs to provide free or low-cost screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents

The goal is to detect cancer earlier and reduce mortality rates by ensuring more people, especially those in underserved communities, can obtain regular recommended screenings.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all state-regulated health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings, including colonoscopies, beginning at age 45 rather than the current age 50
  • Expands insurance coverage for mammograms to include 3D imaging and annual screenings starting at age 40 (previously covered only every 2 years starting at 50)
  • Creates a new state Colorectal Cancer Screening Program to provide no-cost colonoscopies for uninsured and underinsured residents aged 45-75
  • Establishes a Breast Cancer Screening Access Fund to subsidize mammograms and clinical breast exams for uninsured and underinsured women aged 40+

Affected Parties

  • Residents of the state who are currently uninsured or underinsured for cancer screenings
  • Health insurance providers that will be required to expand their coverage of preventive cancer screenings
  • Healthcare providers who will see increased demand for colorectal and breast cancer screenings

Timeline and Procedure

If passed, the new insurance coverage requirements would take effect on January 1, 2026. The state screening programs would be launched by July 1, 2026, with $15 million in initial funding allocated from the state budget.

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for September 17, 2025 in the Gardner Auditorium. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025 and currently has a hearing scheduled, indicating it is in the early stages of the legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.