|
House Bill 5318 would require private insurers in Illinois to
provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual
prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a
physician.
Alison Manson, vice president of government relations for the
cancer awareness group ZERO, said eliminating out-of-pocket
costs for prostate cancer screening removes a key barrier to
early prostate cancer diagnosis.
“There is plenty of research to show that even a small amount of
cost sharing, something on the measure of a $5 co-pay, can be a
barrier to receiving care,” said Manson.
The bill was sponsored by State Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago,
who is a prostate cancer survivor. The cancer was discovered
when Ford was only 48 years old.
African American men are almost two times more likely than white
men to develop prostate cancer in their lives.
Manson said Illinois is part of a growing momentum around the
country.
“So far it's Maryland, Rhode Island and New York with other
states considering similar measures,” said Manson. “We are in
the early days, but it is a no-brainer. You catch prostate
cancer early and you catch it while it is still treatable, you
save lives and it's a win for everyone.”
The American Urological Association estimates that more than
10,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
|
|
