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Sen. Rubio seeks to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screening follow-up
Summary
SB 13 09 would remove cost sharing for medically necessary follow-up after an abnormal lung cancer screen to ensure that patients can complete diagnostic workups. Supporters said cost barriers prevent timely follow-up; insurers warned of premium impacts estimated at tens of millions annually.
Sen. Rubio presented SB 13 09 to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for medically appropriate follow-up care after lung cancer screening, arguing that removing financial barriers would increase early detection and improve outcomes. "Less than a quarter of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stage 1," Rubio said, and out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic follow-up can deter patients from completing care.
Clinical witnesses described how screening programs can be undermined when follow-up imaging, biopsies, or specialist visits carry cost-sharing. Laura LaRose, an oncology nurse practitioner, told the committee that patients often cannot afford necessary follow-up testing such as PET scans or biopsies. Former NFL player and advocate Chris Draft described family experience with late-stage diagnosis and urged the committee to remove barriers to follow-up care.
Insurer groups opposed the bill in principle because an analysis cited in committee estimated a roughly $27 million annual premium impact; witnesses translated that into a per-member monthly range (about $0.06 to $0.31). Committee members probed those numbers and the author and clinicians emphasized that early diagnosis can reduce long-term treatment costs and suffering.
After discussion the committee moved the bill to appropriations as amended and placed it on call for further consideration.
