Requires insurance coverage of skin cancer screenings
Impact
The bill has significant implications for Missouri residents as it seeks to remove financial barriers to skin cancer screenings. Under the provisions of this bill, health carriers or benefit plans will not be permitted to enforce any cost-sharing obligations for these screenings. By eliminating such costs, the bill encourages higher rates of screening uptake, which is critical given the increasing incidence of skin cancer.
Summary
House Bill 917 aims to amend Chapter 376 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by mandating that health insurance plans provide coverage for annual skin cancer screenings. This requirement is likely to take effect for health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes preventative healthcare, specifically targeting whole body skin examinations that can lead to early detection of skin cancers, thereby potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with late-stage treatment.
Contention
While proponents of HB 917 argue that this measure is a necessary step toward improving public health outcomes and decreasing the mortality rate from skin cancers through early detection, some may raise concerns regarding the implications for insurance companies. They might worry about the financial impact on health plans, especially in cases where the costs associated with extensive screenings could rise significantly. Additionally, the exclusion of supplemental insurance policies from this mandate allows certain plans to sidestep these requirements, potentially leaving gaps in coverage.