House approves bill requiring major‑medical plans to cover annual prostate screening for specified men

Representative Glaze (District 60) presented House Bill 373 to require major‑medical coverage for annual prostate cancer screening for specified high‑risk men. Glaze told the chamber that Georgia expects more than 11,000 new prostate cancer cases this year and said the bill is intended to “improve early detection, treatment of prostate cancer, and ultimately save the lives and reduce the financial and emotional burdens on the families who suffer the loss of their loved ones.”

Members from both parties asked questions and offered personal testimony. Representative Reeves noted the insurance committee’s strong support; Representative Prince and Representative Henderson emphasized that early detection increases cure rates. Representative Yasmin Neal asked whether this was Glaze’s first bill; Glaze confirmed it was and said the bill honors a former member who died from prostate cancer. Doctor Newton (Representative Newton) — speaking as a medical professional — described collaboration to refine the bill and support earlier detection.

The House adopted the committee substitute, agreed to the committee’s favorable report, and voted on final passage. The clerk announced the vote: the yeas were 164, the nays were 1. The bill passed the House.

Why it matters: Sponsors and medical supporters said the measure will expand access to preventive screening, particularly for men at higher risk, and is framed as a public‑health intervention to lower late‑stage diagnoses.

Next steps: With House passage, HB 373 moves to the Senate. The floor record noted strong bipartisan support and multiple members’ personal experiences as context for the bill.