Relates to coverage for cancer screenings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Blumencranz and 9 co-sponsors

Bill A 1066 ensures health insurance covers cancer screenings without cost-sharing, promoting early detection and improving health outcomes for insured individuals.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1066 aims to enhance access to cancer screenings by ensuring that health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage for various cancer screening tests. The intent of the bill is to promote early detection of cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer diagnoses.

Key Provisions

Coverage Mandate: The bill mandates that all health insurance policies cover a range of cancer screenings, including but not limited to:

Mammograms for breast cancer
Pap smears for cervical cancer
Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer
Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer

Frequency of Screenings: The legislation specifies the recommended frequency for these screenings based on established medical guidelines, ensuring that individuals receive timely tests without financial barriers.

No Cost-Sharing: The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copayments or deductibles) for covered cancer screenings, making these essential health services more accessible to all insured individuals.

Affected Parties

Patients: Individuals with health insurance will benefit from increased access to cancer screenings without the burden of out-of-pocket costs.

Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals and facilities that provide cancer screening services may see an increase in patient volume as more individuals take advantage of the covered services.

Insurance Companies: Health insurers will be required to adjust their policies to comply with the new coverage mandates, which may impact their overall cost structures.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025.

Current Status: As of the latest update, Bill A 1066 has been referred to the Local Governments committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill A 8466 and has a companion bill, S 4049, which may address similar issues in the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill A 1066 represents a significant step towards improving public health by ensuring that cancer screenings are accessible and affordable for all insured individuals. By removing financial barriers, the bill aims to facilitate early detection and treatment of cancer, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its impact on patients and the healthcare system will become clearer.

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