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Panel reports bill to expand prostate‑cancer screening coverage for high‑risk men to committee
Summary
The subcommittee reported House Bill 20‑97 with a substitute to the next committee by a unanimous vote (7‑0). The bill would standardize coverage of PSA testing and exams for men at elevated risk, removing cost sharing for specified high‑risk groups; advocates cited high incidence and mortality and urged passage.
Delegate Austin presented House Bill 20‑97 and an amendment in the nature of a substitute to standardize annual prostate screening coverage for men at elevated or high risk, aligning coverage with American Cancer Society guidance and removing out‑of‑pocket costs for those designated high‑risk.
Nut graf: Supporters described prostate cancer as a leading cancer among men and emphasized that removing cost barriers for screening can detect disease early and save lives. Ally Manson (representing a prostate cancer advocacy group) and Keri Short (Shelhamer Urological Research Foundation) told the panel that small copayments can be a barrier and gave examples from community screening programs.
Doug Grama of the Virginia Association of Health Plans said the bill reflected preventive services requirements already recognized federally and voiced support. Kelly Fitzgerald of ACS CAN also supported the measure, noting early detection reduces treatment costs and improves outcomes.
Outcome: The subcommittee reported the substitute to the next committee by a unanimous vote, 7‑0. Testimony noted the bill mirrors a Senate companion (SB 13‑14) that had previously passed, and the Health Insurance Reform Commission (HERC) recommended similar coverage.
Ending: HB 20‑97 will proceed for further review and any required fiscal analysis; advocates urged the committee to move it forward to reduce disparities in prostate cancer detection for men at elevated risk.
