SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 1058

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Ways & Means, May 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to medical assistance for breast and cervical cancer treatment for low‑income women.

Brief Description:  Providing assistance to treat breast and cervical cancer.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Ruderman, Campbell, Cody, Skinner, Linville, Barlean, Lovick, Doumit, Ballasiotes, Lambert, Cox, Gombosky, Schual‑Berke, Darneille, Van Luven, Ogden, Conway, Keiser, O'Brien, Edmonds, Anderson, Edwards, McDermott, Haigh, Kenney, Kirby, Kagi, Hunt, Esser, McIntire and Jackley).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  5/22/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Brown, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Fraser, Hewitt, Honeyford, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Long, Parlette, Regala, Rossi, Sheahan, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel and Zarelli.

Staff:  Tim Yowell (786‑7435)

Background:  The national Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program was established by the federal government in 1990.  The program provides funding to the states for breast and cervical cancer screening of women whose family income is below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.  In Washington, the program is operated by the Department of Health and tribal entities, who also provide assistance to those found to need treatment.  Such treatment, however, is not paid for by the federal program.

Last October,  the President signed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-354).  The act allows a state to provide, under Medicaid,  breast or cervical cancer treatment to any woman it identifies through its Early Detection Program as needing such care.

If a state elects to exercise this option, the federal government will provide an enhanced match to pay for treatment.  The enhanced match will cover approximately 65 percent of the cost, compared to the usual 50 percent match provided for other Medicaid services.  Federal funds are available retroactively for items and services provided on or after October 1, 2000.

Summary of Bill:  Eligibility for state medical assistance is modified to include women under age 65 who have been screened through a Department of Health or tribal entity breast and cervical cancer detection program, need treatment for cancer, and have no other health  insurance.  Eligibility  is limited to the time required to treat the breast or cervical cancer.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2001.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.