Tennessee House Bill HB2954

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Engrossed: 4/15/24
• Enrolled: 4/24/24
• Passed: 5/21/24
• Chaptered: 5/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to insurance coverage of prostate cancer screenings.

Impact

If passed, HB2954 will significantly alter the landscape of health insurance as it pertains to prostate cancer screenings in Tennessee. It aligns with recommendations from major health organizations that advocate for starting screening discussions earlier among high-risk demographics. Notably, the legislation addresses the disparities in prostate cancer outcomes between African-American men and their white counterparts, aiming to reduce the barriers that these men face in obtaining necessary screenings. This initiative could contribute to a decrease in late-stage prostate cancer diagnoses, which are associated with poorer survival rates.

Summary

House Bill 2954, known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act, aims to improve access to early detection screenings for prostate cancer, mandating health benefit plans to provide coverage without cost-sharing for certain high-risk groups. This bill specifically targets men aged 40 to 49 who are at high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African-American men and those with a family history of the disease, as well as all men aged 50 and older. By reducing financial barriers to screenings, the bill seeks to enhance the chances of early detection, which is critical for improving survival rates for prostate cancer patients.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2954 has generally been positive among health advocates and lawmakers who recognize the importance of accessible medical care for high-risk populations. Supporters assert that this legislation provides a necessary step towards addressing health disparities in cancer treatment. However, some opposition has been heard regarding the implications of mandating coverage, with concerns about the potential financial burden on insurers and whether this legislation may set a precedent for similar mandates in the future.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB2954 include the implications for cost-sharing policies across health benefit plans and the sustainability of insurer responses to such mandates. Critics argue that requiring insurers to provide no-cost screenings may lead to higher premiums for everyone, impacting the balance of the overall healthcare system. Moreover, the broader societal ramifications of such legislation—such as how it might affect other health coverage areas—may provoke debate among both supporters and skeptics as it progresses through legislative channels.