Frankfort, Kentucky (April 1, 2025) – House Bill 421, sponsored by Rep. Amy Neighbors (R-Edmonton), will be signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear tomorrow, April 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Capitol Building. The measure expands access to early colorectal cancer screenings for high-risk individuals and removes financial barriers to colonoscopy preparation.
“As an early-onset colon cancer survivor, myself, this bill is very important to me, and I’m proud to celebrate the signing of House Bill 421,” said Neighbors. “I know, firsthand, how important early detection is, and this law will make it easier for Kentuckians to access the screenings and preparation they need without financial burdens.”
HB 421 would require health benefit plans to provide coverage for all colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests specified in the United States Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer guidelines. This includes ensuring that high-risk individuals, such as those with a family history of the disease or early-onset cases, receive screenings much earlier as recommended by these guidelines. The bill would also ensure coverage for all United States Drug Administration approved bowel preparation prescribed in connection with a colorectal cancer examination. Finally, HB 421 would remove prior authorization requirements for bowel preparation and provides an exemption from the cost sharing prohibition for Health Savings Account-qualified High Deductible Health Plans under certain circumstances.
“I’m incredibly thankful for my colleagues in the legislature and the Governor for supporting this life-saving bill,” added Neighbors. “I’m proud to see the General Assembly take bipartisan action on an issue that affects so many families across the state.”
The legislation passed overwhelmingly through both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. For more information on HB 421, click here or visit legislature.ky.gov.
(Jenna Riel, Communications Specialist – House Majority Caucus)