HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1058
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care
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: 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:
Health Care: 1/30/01, 2/6/01 [DPS].
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Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
$The Medicaid program will provide treatment for women with breast or cervical cancer who have no insurance coverage.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Conway, Darneille, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786‑7146).
Background:
The national Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program was established by the federal government in 1990. The Department of Health and tribal entities operate the program in Washington. The program seeks to increase the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Women with incomes below 250 percent of the federal poverty level are provided access to breast and cervical cancer screening and assistance in obtaining treatment. The program does not pay for treatment if a woman is identified with breast or cervical cancer.
In October, 2000, the President signed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-354). The act amends the Medicaid statute to allow states to provide medical assistance to women screened through the Department of Health or a tribal program and found to need breast or cervical cancer treatment.
If a state elects to exercise this option under the Medicaid statute, the federal government will provide an enhanced fund match to pay for treatment. The enhanced federal 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 Substitute Bill:
Eligibility for medical assistance is modified to include women who are under the age of 65 who have been screened through the Department of Health or a tribal breast and cervical cancer program, need treatment for cancer, and have no health insurance. Treatment is limited to the time required to treat the breast or cervical cancer.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
Tribal breast and cervical cancer screening programs are authorized to refer women testing positive for cancer to the Medicaid program for treatment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2001.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2001.
Testimony For: Women who test positive for breast and cervical cancer need to begin treatment quickly. Modifying the Medicaid program to cover these uninsured women is a cost effective way to provide them with treatment.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: (In support) Kevin Knox, American Cancer Society; C. J. Taylor, SG Komen Foundation; Arlene Beaunaux, BCHP client; and Bill Daley, Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
(Support concept) Don Sloma, State Board of Health; and Dr. Maxine Hayes, Department of Health.