Colon Cancer Screening Bill goes to Rendell!!!

Under the radar of HB1150, colon cancer screening will go to Govenor Rendell's desk to be signed. This bill was known throughout PA as the Autism Bill.

Here is word from the PA American Cancer Society:


In May 2008, the American Cancer Society, represented by our Board Chairman, Dr. Sam Monismith, testified once again on behalf of Senate Bill 146, colon cancer screening coverage legislation. Dr. Ron Myers, Chair of the PA Cancer Control Consortium, also testified on behalf of the bill. Not long after that, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee merged colon cancer screening, autism services coverage, and state oversight of a merger between two large insurers (Highmark Blue Shield and Independence Blue Cross) into House Bill 1150. The House and Senate subsequently debated, amended and passed the bill in late June/early July.

On the evening of July 3rd, while most of us were beginning to enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend, the PA Senate concurred with House Bill 1150, sending the bill to the governor's desk for signature. We do expect the Governor to sign the bill in the near future; it will take effect 60 days from that date.

Bill Contains Exemptions

While the bill contains two exemptions, it will result in increased coverage for colorectal cancer screenings in PA. The exemptions include policies written for small businesses (50 employees or less), as well as coverage for the two newest screening methods (FOBT/DNA and virtual colonoscopy). For those now included, the bill requires coverage for each of the original screening methods -- fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy. Although we are disappointed that the bill does not provide comprehensive coverage for all policy holders, we recognize that it does increase coverage for many.

I did attend the Senate hearing in May and thought colon cancer screening was a dead issue. Senator White claimed not to be a "saviour" in a post hearing conversation with me. Although his website claims something different.

In Other News

Are our Federal Prisons really safe?

Chappy back on page 1.