HF 293 Summary

• Creates the Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Prevention Act, establishing a demonstration project through the Office of Management and Budget to provide colorectal cancer screening to uninsured and underinsured individuals.

• Designates Hennepin County Medical Center and MeritCare Bemidji as grant recipients to operate the screening demonstration project.

• Establishes eligibility requirements: applicants must be at least 50 years old (or under 50 at high risk), uninsured or underinsured for colorectal screening costs, and have gross family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Covers colorectal cancer screening according to standard medical practices, follow-up services for abnormal tests, and diagnostic services under the program.

• Requires the University of Minnesota School of Public Health to evaluate the demonstration project and submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2011, with recommendations for increasing colon cancer screening rates in Minnesota.