Provides insurance coverage for diagnostic screening for colorectal cancer

1 Co-sponsor

• Diane J. Savino

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to providing insurance coverage for colorectal cancer early detection

Purpose

Provides insurance coverage for diagnostic screening for colorectal cancer.

Summary of provisions

Adds a new paragraph 12-a of section 3221 subsection (1) of the insurance law providing that comprehensive care policies covering physician services and major medical expenses shall also include coverage for annual screenings for colon cancer for individuals over the age of 50, or over 40 if there is a family history or other high risk factors. Such coverage shall include both diagnostic procedures and any ancillary services, including pathology and anesthesiology, that are medically necessary and appropriate.

Justification

Colon cancer kills an estimated 55,000 people each year in the U.S. What many people don't realize is that this second-leading cancer killer is highly preventable--and 90 percent curable when detected early with appropriate screening. In fact, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut in half if Americans simply followed the screening guidelines. Unfortunately, fewer than half the people at risk for colon cancer are getting screened for the disease. And confusion about whether insurance covers recommended screening procedures is one of the known barriers to screening. Currently 31 states have failed to require sufficient insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening--far more states have laws that guarantee coverage of preventative tests for cancers with lower death rates, such as breast and cervical cancers.

Legislative history

2008 - S3085 - Referred to Insurance

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to all policies of life, accident and health insurance issued after such date.