Frankfort, Kentucky (March 5, 2025) –This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed HB 421, sponsored by Representative Amy Neighbors of Edmonton. This measure would improve colorectal cancer screening coverage in the state.
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.
“As an early-onset colon cancer survivor, this issue is deeply personal to me and is what motivated me to file this piece of legislation,” said Neighbors. “Because of my own diagnosis at 40, my children are considered high risk for this disease as well, and they will now be required to receive colonoscopies fifteen years prior to the average recommended age of 45. House Bill 421 ensures that Kentuckians, especially those at higher risk, have access to timely, covered colorectal cancer screenings, because early detection makes all the difference.”
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.
“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early,” added Neighbors. “The problem is, too many Kentuckians delay getting their cancer screenings because of insurance hurdles or high costs. This delay can sometimes be the difference in catching the disease early enough to beat. House Bill 421 aims to remove these hurdles so that no one has to put off colorectal cancer screenings because they can’t afford it any longer.”
For more information on HB 421, please visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.
(Jenna Riel, Communications Specialist – House Majority Caucus)