Bill > H1297

This bill mandates comprehensive, no-cost colorectal cancer screening coverage for active and retired employees and individuals in Massachusetts starting at age 50. The bill requires insurance providers, including group insurance commissions, accident and sickness insurers, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, and health maintenance organizations, to cover a wide range of screening procedures at no additional cost to the insured. These procedures include flexible sigmoidoscopy, various types of fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), genetic testing (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA), CT colonography, and colonoscopy, with specific frequencies determined by medical necessity and the type of test. Importantly, the bill ensures that not only the screening procedure itself is free, but also that no additional charges will be applied for associated services such as tissue removal, laboratory work, physician services, facility use, or anesthesia. By eliminating financial barriers, the bill aims to encourage more people to undergo regular colorectal cancer screenings, which can help with early detection and potentially improve patient outcomes.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1297