H.R.1300 - Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act; PSA Screening for HIM Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1300, the "PSA Screening for HIM Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act, mandating that group health plans and health insurance issuers cover prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men (specifically African-American men and those with a family history) without cost-sharing. The bill seeks to improve early detection rates and reduce mortality associated with prostate cancer.
The bill emphasizes the disproportionately higher rates of prostate cancer among African-American men and the importance of early detection for improved survival rates. It addresses financial barriers to screening by eliminating cost-sharing requirements.
If enacted, this bill would require health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men without imposing copays or deductibles, starting in 2026.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be increased access to prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men, potentially leading to earlier detection and treatment of the disease. This could improve survival rates and reduce healthcare costs associated with late-stage cancer treatment.
Insurance companies will likely see increased costs associated with covering these screenings. However, these costs may be offset by reduced expenses related to treating advanced prostate cancer.
Ultimately, the bill aims to reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes and improve public health by promoting preventive care.
Potential Benefits
- Improved early detection: Increased screening access for high-risk men will likely lead to earlier detection of prostate cancer.
- Reduced mortality: Earlier detection and treatment can significantly improve survival rates.
- Health equity: Addressing disparities in prostate cancer rates among African-American men.
- Cost savings: Early-stage treatment is generally less expensive than treating advanced cancer.
- Preventative care: Encourages proactive healthcare and preventative measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased insurance premiums: Insurers may pass the cost of mandated screenings onto consumers through higher premiums.
- Potential for over-screening: Increased screening may lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
- Administrative burden: Health plans may face increased administrative costs to implement the new requirements.
- Limited scope: The bill focuses solely on prostate cancer, potentially diverting resources from other important health initiatives.
- Unintended consequences: The definition of 'family history' could be interpreted differently, leading to confusion and inconsistent application.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to improve public health by increasing access to preventive care. The Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare mandates, but Congress has broad authority to regulate interstate commerce, which includes health insurance.
There are no apparent violations of individual liberties or rights within the bill. It does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or other protected rights.
However, some might argue that mandating specific health coverage infringes upon the autonomy of health insurance plans, but this argument has generally not prevailed in legal challenges.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).