March 22, 2024
STATEMENT FROM VERMONT SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, BILL SPONSORS ON PASSAGE OF ACCESS TO CANCER SCREENING LEGISLATION
Montpelier, Vt. – This week the House voted to approve two bills that will significantly increase access to cancer screening for Vermonters. House bills, H.621 and H.741, expand health insurance coverage for diagnostic breast imaging and colorectal cancer screening respectively.
Under current Vermont law and the Affordable Care Act, access to preventative screening mammography is available, however when results from these screening are inconclusive further imaging and follow-ups are required, which are not covered by current law. H.621 aims to broaden the scope of follow-up screenings mandated by insurers, providing more comprehensive coverage to Vermonters.
"Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Vermont,” said Rep. Melanie Carpenter, the main sponsor of H.621. “It is essential that we remove the financial barriers that prevent people from seeking and receiving care. H.621 helps increase access to screening tools for early-detection by removing cost-sharing in commercial insurance plans for diagnostic mammography, ultrasounds, and MRIs. This is an important step forward and will help save lives."
Meanwhile, H.741 seeks to align state statutes with federal standards concerning colorectal screenings. Currently, Vermont law limits non-cost sharing colorectal cancer screenings to those deemed “high risk” or age 50 or above. This bill lowers the age to 45, allowing more Vermonters to receive this service free of charge.
“Just days before I was elected to the legislature in 2022, I went in for a routine colonoscopy and came out with Stage 4 colorectal cancer,” said Rep. Kate McCann, the main sponsor of H.721. “I'm honored to be in a position to share my story and use my experience to advocate for others. Of all cancers, CRC will take the most lives of people under 50 by 2030. CRC is preventable with screening and affordable, take-home options exist. H.741 expands coverage for screening with no cost sharing. No excuses folks, get out there and get that colonoscopy! It might just save your life like it did mine.”
“I’m so proud of the work that went into making these two bills possible,” said House Speaker Jill Krowinski. “Ensuring that screening opportunities are available to Vermonters is another important step in our fight against cancer. These bills reflect our commitment to accessible health care for all Vermonters, regardless of their circumstances.”