Bill > S776

This bill requires various Massachusetts health insurance providers, including the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, and private health insurers, to provide comprehensive, no-cost colorectal cancer screening coverage for individuals starting at age 30. The coverage includes multiple screening methods such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), genetic testing (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA), FIT-DNA, CT colonography, and colonoscopy, with specific frequencies for each test as determined medically necessary by a primary care physician. The bill mandates that these screening services be provided without any co-payments, deductibles, or additional charges, which means patients will not have to pay out-of-pocket for the screening procedure itself or associated services like laboratory tests, physician consultations, facility use, or anesthesia. By lowering financial barriers to colorectal cancer screening, the bill aims to encourage early detection and potentially improve health outcomes for Massachusetts residents by ensuring accessible and comprehensive cancer screening options.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S776