HCS HB 1315 -- CANCER SCREENING (Dougherty)

The substitute requires health insurers and similar entities to
provide coverage for the following in accordance with American
Cancer Society guidelines:

(1)  Pelvic examinations and pap smears for nonsymptomatic women;

(2)  Prostate examinations and laboratory tests for cancer for
nonsymptomatic men; and

(3)  Colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests for
cancer for nonsymptomatic men and women.

Coverage must be provided without deductibles.  Co-payment may
be required.

The substitute does not apply to limited benefit health
insurance policies.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to All Funds of $0 to
$1,079,234 in FY 1999, $0 to $1,206,226 in FY 2000, and a Net
Savings of $0 to $926,333 in FY 2001.  Estimated Net Increase to
Insurance Dedicated Fund of $14,450 to $28,900 in FY 1999, $0 in
FY 2000, and $0 in FY 2001.

HCS HB 1315 -- CANCER SCREENING

SPONSOR:  Bland (Dougherty)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Public
Health and Safety by a vote of 14 to 0.

The substitute requires health insurers and similar entities to
provide coverage for the following in accordance with American
Cancer Society guidelines:

(1)  Pelvic examinations and pap smears for nonsymptomatic women;

(2)  Prostate examinations and laboratory tests for cancer for
nonsymptomatic men; and

(3)  Colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests for
cancer for nonsymptomatic men and women.

Coverage must be provided without deductibles.  Co-payment may
be required.

The substitute does not apply to limited benefit health
insurance policies.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to All Funds of $0 to
$1,079,234 in FY 1999, $0 to $1,206,226 in FY 2000, and $0 to
$926,333 in FY 2001.  Estimated Net Increase to Insurance
Dedicated Fund of $14,450 to $28,900 in FY 1999, and $0 in FY
2000 and FY 2001.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the provisions in this bill
will contribute to early detection and in the long run could be
a cost reduction feature for insurance companies, while
providing improved services and peace of mind for the insured.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Dougherty; Missouri
State Medical Association; American Association of Retired
Persons; American Cancer Society; and Missouri Nurses
Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Harolyn Light, Legislative Analyst

                            CORRECTED

HB 1315 -- Cancer Screening

Sponsor:  Dougherty

This bill requires health insurers and similar entities to cover
annual pelvic exams and pap smears for nonsymptomatic women.
Annual prostate exams will be covered for nonsymptomatic men and
annual colorectal cancer exams will be covered for
nonsymptomatic persons according to the American Cancer Society
guidelines.  The coverage is not subject to deductible limits
but patients will be responsible for a copayment not to exceed
$25, if required, with the office visit as part of the insurance
plan.  Limited benefit health insurance policies are excluded
from the provisions of this bill.