Sen. Lading trims SB 664 after HSA concerns; committee deletes section on certain tests

Senator Lading told the committee SB 664 was meant to address an unintended conflict that emerged after a recent law extending coverage for diagnostic breast exams. He said initial feedback from the insurance department suggested there was no issue, but later review raised potential Health Savings Account (HSA) complications.

Lading described proposed language that would have added coverage for certain non‑genetic clinical laboratory testing using biological fluid — an example he said included low‑cost at‑home screening strips — but acknowledged that the language was too broad and that stakeholders had not reached agreement.

“To my understanding ... the insurance department could have issued some guidance ... but we wanted to make sure ... that we fix this with legislation,” Lading said. After discussion, the committee adopted an amendment deleting section 2 in its entirety; the bill then passed as amended by voice vote.

Lading said witnesses on the HSA issue were available if the committee wanted further testimony; the committee concluded the bill with the narrower HSA‑focused fix and removed the broader testing language.

Next steps: SB 664 passed out of committee as amended and will proceed to the next stage in the Senate process.