Philadelphia Rep. Gallagher's Colorectal Cancer Screening Bill Passes Both Chambers: Insurance Coverage From Age 45 With No Cost-Sharing Heads to the Governor
In Philadelphia, the consolidated city-county in Pennsylvania, House Bill 1123, introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher of Philadelphia, has passed both the Pennsylvania House and Senate and was sent on October 21 to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. The bill would require health insurance policies to cover colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45, with no cost-sharing for the insured.
Current Pennsylvania law requires coverage of routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. The society's 2018 guidelines lowered the recommended starting age to 45, several other states have updated their laws accordingly, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health also recommends screening from age 45. In addition to lowering the coverage age from 50 to 45, the bill updates the guidelines referenced in state law to the most recent edition and updates the covered tests to those recommended by those guidelines.
Gallagher, who represents Northeast Philadelphia, with district offices on Frankford Avenue and Torresdale Avenue, is himself a colorectal cancer survivor. 'As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual's journey through the labyrinth of cancer,' he said. 'This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it's about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference.' (Compiled from the October 21 release of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 宾夕法尼亚州议会大厦东侧实景，法案在 Harrisburg 两院通过后送州长签署。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons 文件 Pennsylvania State Capitol East Side.jpg，Kumar Appaiah 摄，CC BY-SA 2.0 授权
