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Bill

SB 518

Health Insurance - Screening for Ovarian Cancer - Required Coverage and Prohibited Cost Sharing

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Charles

Maryland bill mandates insurance coverage of ovarian cancer screening with zero patient cost-sharing to increase early detection access.

Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 518

Legislative bill overview

SB 518 would require health insurance plans in Maryland to cover ovarian cancer screening without cost-sharing (copays, coinsurance, or deductibles). The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage at no out-of-pocket expense to patients, similar to preventive care requirements under the Affordable Care Act.

Why is this important

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of early detection methods and screening awareness, resulting in lower survival rates and higher treatment costs. Removing financial barriers to screening could increase early detection rates and improve patient outcomes. However, the bill's scope and which screening methods qualify remain key implementation questions.

Potential points of contention

  • Screening method definition: Ovarian cancer screening lacks consensus on which tests (ultrasound, CA-125 blood tests, etc.) are most effective, and the bill may not specify which screening types qualify, potentially creating coverage disputes.
  • Insurance premium impact: Mandated coverage without cost-sharing typically increases premiums for all enrollees, raising questions about whether the population-wide cost is justified given debate over screening effectiveness in asymptomatic populations.
  • Scope and frequency: The bill doesn't clearly define screening frequency, age ranges, or risk factors, which could lead to inconsistent implementation and disputes over medically necessary versus elective screening.

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

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