MA H1297

Requires all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover colorectal cancer screenings for individuals starting at age 50, when deemed medically necessary by a primary care physician

Eliminates all co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing requirements for covered screening methods including colonoscopy (every 5-10 years), flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years), CT colonography (every 5 years), FIT, FIT-DNA, HSgFOBT, and genetic testing (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array)

Prohibits additional charges for associated services including tissue removal, laboratory services, physician services, facility use, and anesthesia

Applies to the Group Insurance Commission (state employees), commercial insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and health maintenance organizations through amendments to Chapters 32A, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G of the General Laws

Defines colonoscopy as a procedure enabling visual examination of the entire colon, including concurrent polyp removal or biopsy