Bill > H1076

This bill mandates comprehensive colorectal cancer screening coverage for various healthcare systems in Massachusetts, starting at age 30, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. Specifically, the bill requires the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, private health insurers, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for multiple types of colorectal cancer screening procedures without any co-payments, deductibles, or additional charges. These screening methods include flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 or 10 years), FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) tests (annually or every 3 years), genetic testing arrays (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA), CT colonography, and colonoscopy (every 5 or 10 years). The bill defines colonoscopy as a procedure that allows a physician to visually examine the entire colon and potentially remove polyps or perform biopsies. Additionally, the bill ensures that patients will not be charged for any associated services with these screenings, such as laboratory services, physician services, facility use, and anesthesia, effectively removing financial barriers to early detection of colorectal cancer for state employees, Medicaid recipients, and those with private health insurance in Massachusetts.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1076