MA H1169

Requires all Massachusetts health insurers (including state employee plans, HMOs, and private insurers) to cover colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45, including colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies, FIT tests, CT colonography, and genetic marker tests (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA)

Eliminates all out-of-pocket costs for colorectal cancer screening, prohibiting co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance for the procedures and related services including polyp removal, lab work, physician fees, facility charges, and anesthesia

Establishes a 13-member special commission to study early-onset colon cancer (under age 50) in Massachusetts, including prevalence, unmet patient and family needs, diagnosis timing, and risk factors

Commission membership includes designees from health and human services, public health, and insurance commissioners, plus legislative appointees and individuals with personal or medical expertise in early-onset colon cancer

Commission must organize within 120 days of majority appointment and report findings and legislative recommendations to the General Court by December 31, 2023