S.297 - Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act; PSA Screening for HIM Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.297, the "Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act" or "PSA Screening for HIM Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. The bill mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide coverage for prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing for high-risk men. This includes African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
The bill seeks to improve early detection rates of prostate cancer, particularly among high-risk populations. It addresses disparities in diagnosis and survival rates by removing financial barriers to screening.
The Act defines 'men with a family history' and clarifies that the most current recommendations of the United States Preventive Service Task Force regarding breast cancer screening should be considered.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase access to prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men by eliminating cost-sharing. This could lead to earlier detection and treatment of prostate cancer in these populations.
This bill may also influence health insurance policies and practices related to preventive care. It could potentially serve as a model for addressing other health disparities through targeted screening programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased early detection of prostate cancer in high-risk men.
- Reduced disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis and survival rates, particularly for African-American men.
- Improved health outcomes and potentially lower long-term healthcare costs due to early intervention.
- Greater awareness and proactive management of prostate cancer risk factors.
- Alignment with recommendations from major cancer and urological societies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in healthcare costs for insurance providers, which could be passed on to consumers through premiums.
- Possible over-screening and unnecessary medical interventions if screening guidelines are not carefully followed.
- Administrative burden for health plans and insurers to implement and manage the new coverage requirements.
- The definition of 'family history' might be too broad or too narrow, leading to either excessive or insufficient screening.
- Potential for increased anxiety and stress among men undergoing screening, even if the results are negative.
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 infringements on individual liberties or rights. The bill does not compel anyone to undergo screening but rather ensures coverage if they choose to do so.
However, some might argue that mandating specific coverage requirements for health insurance plans could be seen as an overreach of federal power, potentially raising questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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).