Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a bill July 8 that expands colorectal cancer screening coverage and creates state-funded assistance for uninsured residents.
The legislation requires state-regulated fully insured plans to pay for colorectal cancer screening using all A and B grade screening methods recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The new law also adds a requirement that plans cover a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based, blood-based or direct visualization screening test, with no deductible, copay, coinsurance or other cost-sharing allowed.
Separately, the law creates a new state-funded financial assistance program to pay for colorectal cancer screenings, and treatment if cancer is found, for residents who are uninsured, have coverage that does not meet the no-cost-sharing screening requirements above, or are permanent or nonresident resident aliens ineligible for Medicaid.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hawaii, killing roughly 260 residents each year, according to the governor’s office.
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