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HB 334

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 334 ensures high-risk men can access annual prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing, removing financial barriers for early detection and treatment.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 334

Summary of House Bill 334

Bill Number: HB 334
Title: Health care policies; eliminate cost-sharing for prostate screening coverage of high-risk men
Status: Currently Indefinitely Postponed
Introduced: February 25, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Insurance

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 334 aims to enhance access to prostate cancer screening for high-risk men by eliminating cost-sharing requirements. The bill recognizes the increased risk of prostate cancer among certain demographics and seeks to ensure that these individuals can receive necessary screenings without financial barriers.

Key Provisions

  • Coverage Requirements:

    • The bill mandates that health insurance plans cover annual prostate cancer screenings for men identified as high-risk, regardless of age. High-risk categories include:
    • African American men.
    • Men with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) who has had prostate cancer.

  • Cost-Sharing Elimination:

    • Specifically, the bill requires that screenings for high-risk men aged 40 and younger be provided without any deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs.

  • Amendments:

    • The bill has undergone amendments to clarify coverage for men over 50 years of age, ensuring that they also receive screenings without cost-sharing.

Fiscal Impact

The implementation of HB 334 is projected to increase costs for state health insurance plans:
- State Employees' Health Insurance Plan (SEHIP): Estimated increase of $200,000 annually.
- Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP): Estimated increase of $160,000 annually.

Affected Parties

  • High-Risk Men: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be high-risk men, particularly those under 40 and those over 50, who would gain access to necessary screenings without financial barriers.
  • Health Insurance Plans: Insurance providers would be required to adjust their coverage policies to comply with the new mandates.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Insurance.
  • April 9, 2025: Reported out of committee and read for the second time; placed on the calendar.
  • May 6, 2025: Bill currently indefinitely postponed.

Conclusion

House Bill 334 represents a significant step towards improving health outcomes for high-risk men by ensuring they have access to prostate cancer screenings without financial impediments. While the bill has been postponed, its provisions highlight the ongoing discussions around health equity and preventive care in the legislative arena.

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

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