To enact section 3902.66 of the Revised Code to require health insurers to cover preventive screenings for certain men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer.
Summary
HB33 would add a new section to the Ohio Revised Code requiring health benefit plans issued, renewed, or modified in Ohio to cover prostate cancer screening for covered persons who are male, at least 40 years old, and at high risk for prostate cancer. High-risk status is defined by either a personal or first-degree relative’s diagnosis of a genetic alteration or cancer associated with increased prostate cancer risk, or a family history of prostate cancer. The bill defines family history and prostate cancer screening, and it expressly includes evidence-based preventive procedures such as PSA tests and digital rectal exams.
The bill also prohibits cost-sharing for the required screenings, subject to a federal HSA-related exception. The Superintendent of Insurance would be required to adopt rules to implement the law, including specifying the types of PSA tests covered and the maximum screening interval, which may not exceed one year. In effect, the bill creates a mandated preventive benefit for a targeted high-risk population and directs the insurance department to administer the details.
Impact
HB33 would amend Ohio insurance law by creating a new coverage mandate for health benefit plans, overriding the general rule in section 3901.71 for the specified screenings. It would require insurers to pay for prostate cancer screening expenses for eligible high-risk men and bar cost-sharing, except where federal law requires an adjustment for health savings account-qualified high deductible health plans. The bill would affect insurers, health benefit plans, covered enrollees, and the Superintendent of Insurance, who would gain rulemaking responsibility.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Insurance Committee, but there are no committee transcripts or votes provided. Based on the bill’s content, it appears to be framed as a preventive health coverage measure aimed at early detection for men at elevated risk of prostate cancer. Because no discussion or vote history is available, there is no documented legislative sentiment beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.
Contention
The main policy issues likely to arise are the insurance mandate and its cost implications, especially the prohibition on cost-sharing for covered screenings. Another potential point of contention is the bill’s targeted eligibility criteria, which limit the mandate to men age 40 and older with specific genetic or family-history risk factors. The HSA/high-deductible plan exception may also draw attention because it creates a federal-law-dependent carveout. No specific objections or support were recorded in the provided materials.