31 Mar Cancer News You Need: Federal & State Laws on Telehealth, Medical Debt, Cancer Screening, & More
March 31, 2026 ~ This blog covers the latest news you need about federal and state laws addressing access to telehealth, dealing with medical debt, access to free cancer screening and diagnostic tests, and more.
Federal Updates
What is Happening with Telehealth?
Recent federal legislation extended several Medicare telehealth rules through December 31, 2027. These rules were originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to access care remotely. The extension includes:
- Removing location limits on where a person can be when receiving telehealth services
- Allowing more types of health care providers to offer telehealth services
- Allowing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services from a distance
- Delaying requirements for in-person visits before receiving tele-mental health services
- Continuing to allow audio-only telehealth visits in certain situations
State Updates
What is Happening with Medical Debt?
Several states have passed or introduced laws to lower the financial impact of unpaid medical bills, by limiting or addressing wage garnishment related to medical debt. Wage garnishment is a legal procedure where an employer is required by court order or government agency to withhold a portion of an employee's paycheck to pay a debt.
States taking action include:
These efforts reflect a growing trend among states to provide stronger protections for consumers facing medical debt.
What is Happening with Marketplace Plan Costs?
New Mexico (HB 4) increases funding for the Health Care Affordability Fund. This program provides financial assistance to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, like co-payments, for people enrolled in health insurance through New Mexico’s Marketplace: BeWell Exchange.
What is Happening with Access to Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Tests?
Several states have passed laws aimed at improving access to cancer screening and diagnostic tests, and lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Alabama passed legislation (SB 19), expanding access to prostate cancer screening. The Roy S. Johnson Prostate Screening Bill was approved unanimously by the legislature and sent to the Governor for signature. The legislation ensures insurance coverage at no cost for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams, for men at high-risk for prostate cancer.
Oregon passed legislation (SB 1527), removing out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic cervical cancer procedures after an abnormal screening result. The bill passed unanimously, making Oregon the first state in the U.S. to remove copays for these diagnostic tests.
Wisconsin’s Governor recently signed two significant bills into law:
- Gail’s Law (SB 264) requires insurance coverage for supplemental screenings (like MRIs and ultrasounds) for women with dense breast tissue, with no out-of-pocket costs.
- SB 23 expands postpartum Medicaid coverage, making Wisconsin the 49th state to adopt this policy.
What is Happening with Mental Health Coverage?
Illinois passed legislation (HB 1085) that will help make it easier for people to find mental health providers and get insurance coverage for services. The law is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.
Want More Information?
Visit our Cancer Advocacy Resources to learn about legislative issues impacting the cancer community. You can also watch the recording of the recent Triage Cancer webinar – Getting Engaged in Cancer Advocacy.
About Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues. Through events, materials, and resources, Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.
We're glad you find this resource helpful! Please feel free to share it with your communities or to post a link on your organization's website. However, this content may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Triage Cancer. Please email us at info@TriageCancer.org to request permission. © 2026 Triage Cancer