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Representative Janet Buckner’s bill to require health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45 today passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 52-11. HB20-1103 is also sponsored by Representative Perry Will.
“Early detection of any cancer can be the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora. “I’m so proud that the House voted to give Coloradans access to life-saving screenings for colorectal cancer at an earlier age. This bill will save lives.” Under current law, health insurers must provide coverage for preventive colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 in accordance with the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. HB20-1103 would improve insurance coverage by requiring that carriers, in addition to following USPSTF guidelines, provide coverage for screenings in accordance with the current best medical practice guidelines starting at age 45. This would include coverage for a colonoscopy or other medical screening tests for colorectal cancer as well as coverage for a follow-up colonoscopy if the results of a noninvasive screening test are abnormal. HB20-1103 was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee unanimously in January.