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DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two bills to save Coloradans money on health care. SB25-296 would ensure patients receive free breast cancer screenings. SB25-118 would save families money on prenatal visits.
“From preventive to prenatal care, we are focused on saving you money on health care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of SB25-296 and SB25-118. “Patients can already receive no-cost preventive screenings for breast cancer, however, follow-up visits are often not covered by insurance. SB25-296 would extend coverage to include diagnostic exams so patients can receive the care they need. Another bill I’m sponsoring will save parents money on three prenatal visits. Coloradans deserve access to high-quality, affordable health care, and these bills will save families money on the health care they need.”
“While breast cancer screenings are available to patients at no cost, follow-up visits and additional diagnostics are often not,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB25-296. “This bill extends preventive care options for breast cancer to save Coloradans money on health care and treatment.”
In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296 would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. SB25-296 passed commitee passed by a vote of 12-0.
“Expecting parents are often on the hook for many doctor's visits and prenatal care, which can really add up,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill ensures that families will not need to pay deductibles or co-pays for three office visits – saving them money.”
SB25-118 would save expecting parents money on prenatal care. This bill would ensure that state-regulated insurance plans cover three prenatal care office visits. To save patients money, this bill would prohibit state-regulated insurance plans, except for individual and small group plans offered through Colorado Option, from imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, on the first three prenatal visits. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect for plans issued or renewed after January 1st, 2027.
Prenatal care is an important step in expanding access to health care, and helps support mothers who might experience pregnancy-related complications and can prevent emergencies.
SB25-118 passed commitee by a vote of 11-1.