Committee backs bill to eliminate cost-sharing for targeted prostate-cancer screening

The Senate Committee on Insurance on March 11 voted to report favorably Senate Bill 84, which would expand and eliminate cost-sharing for prostate-cancer screening for targeted age and risk groups.

Senator Myers opened the discussion by offering three metrics intended to frame the bill: that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death for men in Louisiana; that localized prostate cancer has a very high survival rate when detected early; and that metastatic prostate cancer carries a substantially lower survival rate. "This bill before us is a straightforward early detection bill," Myers said, arguing coverage changes could improve early diagnosis and reduce long-term treatment costs.

Senator Myers said the bill would align coverage with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, clarify screening eligibility for higher-risk men aged 40–49, and require insurers to cover screenings such as PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams without copays. He told the committee new policies would be subject to the change on Jan. 1, 2026, and existing policies would convert on renewal but no later than Jan. 1, 2028.

Alice Klein, Louisiana government relations director for the American Cancer Society, testified in support: "We asked Senator Myers to bring this bill because Louisiana has the second highest prostate cancer incidence rate and the incidence of advanced disease has been increasing rapidly. Over the last decade, it has increased by 5 percent annually." Klein also told the committee that research shows even very small out-of-pocket costs can deter screening: "Studies also show that out of pocket costs as low as $1 to $5 can reduce accessibility of screenings."

Senator Bass asked about fiscal impact. Senator Myers cited experience in states such as Tennessee and Alabama, saying similar legislation produced minimal premium impact—"roughly 35¢ or so" per policy—while long-term savings from earlier diagnosis were not quantified during the hearing.

After brief discussion and no recorded opposition, the committee reported SB84 favorably. Sponsors opened the bill for coauthors from the full committee before adjournment.