Committee backs bill to ban cost-sharing for breast screening exams

The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee voted to report Senate Bill 518 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass, but asked that it first be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Counsel told the committee that "the bill sets a requirement for a health policy that provides coverage with respect to screening and diagnostic breast exams and supplemental breast exams that the policy shall not impose any cost sharing requirements." Counsel added the bill addresses impacts on health savings accounts and applies to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and other insurers. A fiscal note was requested.

Counsel cited a prior fiscal note for a similar measure (Senate Bill 430), saying PEIA's fiscal estimate had been $160,000 based on an assumed 15% increase in utilization attributable to a no cost-sharing provision. The committee did not take up a fiscal note during this meeting; committee staff requested one for SB 518.

Vice Chair moved that SB 518 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass and that, under the bill's original double reference, it first be referred to the Committee on Finance. The chair put the question and the motion was adopted by voice vote.

Next steps: SB 518 will be transmitted to the Committee on Finance for review of fiscal implications before the full Senate considers the committee's recommendation.