FL S0350

Requires health insurance policies, HMO contracts, state medical assistance programs, state employee health plans, and managed care entities to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screenings beginning January 1, 2012.

Mandates coverage of fecal occult blood tests (annual), flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years), barium enema (every 5 years), and colonoscopy (every 10 years) as evidence-based screening options.

Covers individuals age 50 and older, as well as individuals under 50 at high risk due to family history, prior cancer, chronic digestive disease, or genetic markers.

Prohibits deductibles or coinsurance requirements that exceed those for similar screening benefits and prevents insurers from requiring burdensome coverage criteria.

Excludes accident-only, specified disease, disability income, Medicare supplement, and long-term care policies from coverage requirements; effective July 1, 2011.