Kansas House Bill HB2287

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/3/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Imposing certain health insurance coverage requirements for screening and diagnostic examinations for breast cancer.

Impact

If enacted, HB2287 would amend existing Kansas statutes governing health insurance, particularly K.S.A. 40-2,103 and K.S.A. 40-19c09, to include these new coverage requirements. This legislative change would promote access to essential breast health screenings, facilitating early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, which is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes. By preventing cost-sharing for these examinations, the bill aims to alleviate financial barriers for individuals seeking potentially life-saving screenings.

Summary

House Bill 2287 focuses on enhancing health insurance coverage related to breast cancer screening and diagnostic examinations. This legislation mandates that all individual and group health insurance policies must provide coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on the insured individual. The bill specifically applies to health plans that are initiated or renewed after January 1, 2024, thereby ensuring that insurance companies cannot pass on costs related to necessary diagnostic procedures to patients.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB2287, particular points of contention included concerns regarding the financial implications for health insurance providers and the potential for increased premiums as a result of mandated coverage expansions. Advocates for the bill argue that such preventive measures can lead to long-term cost savings for both insurers and the healthcare system by enabling early intervention. Critics, however, fear that the law could drive up insurance costs overall, ultimately burdening consumers.