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Hearing held on HB 373 to require private insurers to cover prostate screening for high‑risk men 40–49
Summary
Representative Glaze told the Insurance Subcommittee on Life and Health that House Bill 373 would require private insurers to cover PSA/DRE prostate screening for men ages 40–49 who are at increased risk because of family history or veteran status; the bill was presented at a hearing and no vote was taken.
Representative Glaze introduced House Bill 373 at a hearing of the Insurance Subcommittee on Life and Health, asking lawmakers to require private insurers to cover prostate screening for men ages 40–49 who are at elevated risk because of family history or military service. The sponsor said the bill would add that coverage to the annual exam and target men with first‑degree relatives or other direct family history of prostate cancer and veterans.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Glaze, told the committee the American Cancer Society estimates about 10,000 new prostate cancer cases in Georgia in 2025 and more than 1,100 deaths statewide; she said Georgia has among the highest prostate‑cancer incidence and mortality rates nationally. "This bill would encompass and target our veterans 40 to 49 and those with what we call ... family history," Representative Glaze said.
The measure aims to change current practice in Georgia, where speakers said private insurers and state plans typically begin covering PSA or DRE screening at age 50. Representative Glaze said the out‑of‑pocket cost for a screening in the 40–49 age range is small — she cited an average cost of about $33 (range about $18 to $84) — and argued earlier detection could prevent deaths because prostate cancer often lacks symptoms until advanced stages.
A constituent testifier, Derek Holloway, described his diagnosis and urged the committee to support coverage for high‑risk men. "If caught early, 99 percent of the men will be alive in another 5 years," Holloway said, recounting that his PSA climbed rapidly and that he had no symptoms before diagnosis.
Committee members asked about existing federal and military programs and other high‑risk groups: members noted TRICARE and other federal plans, and the sponsor said TRICARE and certain insurers already identify many high‑risk patients. Committee members also asked whether firefighters and other occupational groups would be included; Representative Glaze said firefighters are among the higher‑risk groups the bill intends to reach.
This was a hearing only; the committee took no vote on HB 373 during the session.
The hearing combined personal testimony from a cancer survivor with sponsor remarks and committee questions. The sponsor provided a PowerPoint to committee members and opened the bill for questions; no final action occurred at the meeting.
