Brief Description: Requiring insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening.

Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Fromhold, Morrell, Santos, Chase, Moeller, Sullivan, Wallace, Kenney, Campbell, Simpson and Edwards.

Hearing Date: 2/25/03

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Colorectal cancer kills over 56,000 people in the United States every year. The early detection of colorectal cancer has been shown to reduce mortality. The Department of Health recently completed a sunrise review of legislation that mandates health carriers to cover colorectal cancer screening. The Department of Health concluded that the proposal to mandate colorectal cancer screening was supported by the statutory sunrise criteria. In testimony during the sunrise process, the Association of Health Care Plans indicated that most health plans in Washington cover at least some types of colorectal cancer screening. However, the screening tools used and frequencies of the tests, are different from the recommendations of the American Cancer Society.

Summary of Bill:

Health carriers are required to provide benefits or coverage for colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests specified in the November 2002 American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic individuals.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2004.