Doctor Malucci testifies on Hystotripsy treatment for rare cancer at Louisiana hearing

The Louisiana House Insurance Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at improving access to innovative cancer treatments. The meeting featured testimony from Dr. Mary Malucci, a neuroendocrine cancer specialist, who highlighted the challenges patients face with insurance coverage for emerging medical technologies.

The bill, introduced by Representative Hafferty, was inspired by a constituent's plea for help after her daughter was denied coverage for a non-invasive treatment known as Hystotripsy. Dr. Malucci explained that this procedure offers a safer and less costly alternative to traditional surgical methods for treating certain cancers. She emphasized that Hystotripsy has shown promising results, with no hospitalizations required for patients treated under this method.

Dr. Malucci pointed out that while Hystotripsy is FDA-approved and has been successfully implemented in Louisiana, many insurance companies still classify it as experimental, leading to coverage denials. This discrepancy creates a frustrating situation for both patients and healthcare providers, as they navigate outdated insurance policies that do not reflect the latest advancements in medical technology.

During the meeting, committee members expressed their support for the bill and discussed the need for a more streamlined process to ensure that FDA-approved treatments are covered by insurance. Representative Corrioso suggested that future legislation could mandate insurance companies to automatically approve treatments that are both FDA-approved and less expensive than traditional options.

The committee also heard from representatives of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans, who acknowledged the effectiveness of Hystotripsy but raised concerns about the implications of mandating coverage for emerging treatments without thorough evaluation.

The discussions underscored a broader issue within the healthcare system: the need for insurance policies to evolve alongside medical advancements. As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that patients have access to the best possible care without unnecessary barriers. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and potential amendments to address the concerns raised during the meeting.