New state law requires health insurance companies to cover more cancer screenings

Posted on September 7, 2021
The new state laws take effect in January. (Photo courtesy: Pixabay/File)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – Two new state laws require health insurers to cover more cancer screenings.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 48,000 people across the country will die of Pancreatic Cancer this year. Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored one law that mandates medically necessary screenings for the disease.

“Pancreatic Cancer just falls a little bit under the radar, although it is very deadly and lethal. That’s why this legislation is important because it will definitely save lives.”

According to the American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death, but it has a 90% survival rate if caught early.

“What was happening is for people who took the (inaudible) test or the at-home test, the brand name, one of the brand names was Cologuard. And they got a positive result, then what was happening (was) insurance companies were treating the follow of colonoscopy as diagnostic and were not covering it,” said Johnson.

Johnson also sponsored the second law, requiring coverage of colonoscopies when recommended by a Dr. at no cost to the patient.

Both laws take effect in January.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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