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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 5, 2024 09:05 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Pat Gallagher and Rep. Tarik Khan, Rep. Perry S. Warren |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Updating Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screenings |
| Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. Insurance law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, but this is based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008 that are outdated. Multiple other states have updated to the more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018, and these new recommendations state that that people should be screened starting at age 45 rather than 50. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also recommends that people begin screening at age 45. To address this, we are introducing legislation that updates the Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50, updates the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition, and updates the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by the guidelines. The legislation would also prevent insurers from requiring prior authorization or advance notice for any colorectal cancer screenings. Keeping our insurance laws up to date helps Pennsylvanians receive the most appropriate medical care. Colorectal cancer is a very deadly cancer but is also treatable when caught early. With these changes, we can make a significant difference in catching and preventing serious cases of colorectal cancer. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation so that we can improve colorectal cancer screening access. |
Introduced as HB2159