State Policy and Legislative Advocacy – Past Issues

This chart includes past policy and legislative opportunities at the state level.

StateYear IntroducedIssueType (Letter, Regulation Comments, Legislation)Bill Number & TitleDescriptionPosition Statements & Coalition and Triage Cancer Letter of SupportStatusLearn more
California2023Insurance CoverageLegislationhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB236AB-236 Health care coverage: provider directoriesThis bill will eliminate "ghost networks" by enforcing requirements that health insurance companies update their provder directories annually.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TC-Letter-of-Support-CA-AB-236.pdfIntroduced 1/13/2023; amended 2/14/2023, amended 3/20/2023; amended 1/22/2024; referred to committee on Heath 5/1/24last amended 6/27/24 in Senete appropriations as of 12/12/24.)
California2023Insurance CoverageLegislationhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB4AB-4 Covered California; expansionThis bill would allow individuals to purchase health insurance on the Covered California marketplace, regardless of their immigration statusSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TC-Letter-of-Support-AB-4.pdfSubmitted for Introduction 12/5/2022; amended 3/9/2023; revised 4/12/2023; in committee on appropriations; passed Assembly 5/25/2023; in Senate Committee on Health, amended 6/20 & 6/27; amended 8/6/24 in senate appropriations as of 12/12/24)
Minnesota2023Fertility PreservationLegislationhttps://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1658&y=2023&ssn=0&b=houseHF1658Coverage requirement for infertility treatmentSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Suppor-for-MN-HF1658.pdf
Ohio2023biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/135/hb24HB 24: to require health benefit plan and Medicaid program coverage of biomarker testingRequire health insurance coverage of Biomarker testingSupportIntroduced 2/15/2023; passed in House, introduced in Senate; 11/12/24 in Senate committee; 12/17/24 still in Senate Committee
Washington2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5074&Year=2023&Initiative=falseSB 5074 (Companion Bill H 1450)Require that health plans provide coverage for biomarker testingSupportReintroduced 1/8/2024 and with Health & Long Term Care Committee; 12/17/24 still in same committee
Washington2023Fertility PreservationLegislationhttps://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1151&Year=2023&Chamber=HouseSHB 1151 Mandating coverage for fertility servicesRequires large group health plans, including health plans offered to public employees, to cover the diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and standard fertility preservation services.Support - noted support for the legislative record in the Health & Long Term Care Committeereintroduced 01/8/2024; 2/20/24 - returned to rules committee; 12/17/24 still in rules committee
Minnesota2023Fertility PreservationLegislationhttps://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=SF1704&y=2023&ssn=0&b=senateSF 1704Coverage requirement for infertility treatmentSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Suppor-for-MN-SF-1704.pdfIntroduced 2/16/2023; Committee recommended to pass as amended 3/8/2023
Minnesota2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1948&ssn=0&y=2023S1948/HF1978Require Health Insurance coverage of Biomarker testingSupportIntroduced 2/20/2023; referred to committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection; Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Health and Human Services
Massachussetts2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1074HB 1074This bill requires that biomarker testing be covered for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an enrollee’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidenceSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MA-HB1074-Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support.pdfIntroduced 2/16/2023; Committee scheduled hearing 5/2/2023; Reporting date extended to 5/17/2024; Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Massachussetts2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S689SB 689This bill requires that biomarker testing be covered for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an enrollee’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidenceSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MA-SB689-Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support.pdfIntroduced 2/16/2023; Committee scheduled hearing 5/2/2023; Reporting date extended to 5/17/2024; 6/20/24 Accompanied H1074
Illinois2023Paid LeaveLegislationhttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1530&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=143835&SessionID=112HB 1530The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act creates a state-run insurance program that allows Illinois workers to use up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave a year:supporthttps://www.iltimetocare.org/homeIntroduced 1/27/2023; 1/31/2023 referred to Rules Committee; 3/8/2023 To Job Growth & Workforce Development Subcommittee; 3/10/2023 Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
Illinois2023Paid LeaveLegislationhttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1234&GAID=17&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=112&GA=103SB 1234The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act creates a state-run insurance program that allows Illinois workers to use up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave a year:supporthttps://www.iltimetocare.org/homeIntroduced 2/2/2023, sent to Labor Committee, 3/10/2023 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Illinois2023Paid Family LeaveLegislationhttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1006&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=112&GA=103HB1006 Paid Family Leave ActRequire employers to provide 6 weeks of paid leave to provide care for a family memberSupportIntroduced 1/12/2023; referred to Rules Committee
Texas2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Actions.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB3188HB3188: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain biomarker testingRequire health insurance coverage of Biomarker testingSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TX-SB989-partner-letter_final.pdfFiled 3/1/2023; 4/18/23 pending in committee; 12/17/24 still pending in committee so moving to past issues.
California2022Access to Cancer Treatment for Medi-Cal beneficiariesBillhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB987SB 987- Cancer Care Equity ActThe California Cancer Care Equity Act would ensure Medi-Cal beneficiaries who receive a complex cancer diagnosis have the choice to seek treatment at a comprehensive cancer center, increasing the number of Californians able to benefit from emerging therapies, clinical trials and appropriate cancer treatment specialized for particular types of cancer.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SB-987-Cancer-Coalition-Support.pdfSigned in to law on 9/27/2022
California2022Biomarker TestingBillSB 912Senate Bill 912 will require state-regulated plans, including Medi-Cal, to cover comprehensive biomarker testing when supported by medical and scientific evidence, including nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines.Supporthttps://triaghttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TC-Support-for-SB912.pdfVetoed by Governor on 9/29/2022
California2021Health Insurance Coverage for Biomarker TestingBillhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB535SB 535By requiring California health care plans to cover biomarker testing, this bill facilitates patient access to testing and reduces associated costs. This legislation will further protect patients’ access to care by prohibiting plans from requiring preauthorization for these services, eliminating pre-authorization for biomarker testing for patients with advanced or metastatic cancers.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/CA-SB-535-Letter-of-SupportPassed both chambers, signed into law on 10/6/2021
California2021Cancer Medication Recycling ActBillhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB310SB-310 - The Cancer Medication Recycling ActThis legislation would facilitate patient access to oral cancer medications by creating an avenue for providers to donate unused medications to patients in need, increasing the likelihood that patients will correctly administer these life-saving medications.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/CA-SB-310-Letter-of-SupportSigned into law on 10/5/2021
California2021Health Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer TestingBillhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB342AB 342This legislation would facilitate patient access to colorectal cancer (CRC) testing by requiring insurance companies and health plans to provide coverage for follow-up tests without cost-sharing, reducing out-of-pocket medical costs and increasingly the likelihood that patients will proactively undergo follow up testing, rather than decline crucial testing due to costs.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/CA-AB-342-Letter-of-SupportSigned into law on 10/1/2021
Colorado2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1110H23-1110Require health insurance coverage of Biomarker TestingSupportLost 5/11/23
Connecticut2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2023&bill_num=976SB 976 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH COVERAGE MANDATES FOR CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONSRequire Commercial Health Insurance plans to cover biomarker testing.SupportDied in committee
Connecticut2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2023&bill_num=6628HB 6628 AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE OF BIOMARKER TESTINGRequire Medicaid to cover Biomarker TestingSupportDied in committee
Florida2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/805HB 805: Health Insurance Coverage for Biomarker TestingRequire Health Insurance coverage of Biomarker TestingSupport5/5/2023 - Action Died
Florida2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1218/ByCategorySB 1218: Biomarker TestingRequire Medicaid to cover Biomarker TestingSupport5/5/2023 - Action Died
Louisiana2021Health Insurance Coverage for Genetic TestingBillhttp://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=240103LA SB 84This act facilitates cancer patients' access to genetic testing by requiring health plans to provide coverage for these services.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/LA-SB-84-Letter-of-SupportEffective date 1/1/2022
Maine2023Biomarker TestingLegislationhttps://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/dockets.asp?ID=280088559LD 1577: An Act to Require Health Insurance Coverage for Biomarker TestingThis bill requires that biomarker testing be covered for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an enrollee’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidenceSupporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ME-LD-1577-Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support.pdfPassed by House and Senate 5/10/24; waiting enactment. Governor announced that she will not be signing any bills due to legality of legislative work after adjournment.
Maine2023Paid Family and Medical LeaveLegislationhttps://legislature.maine.gov/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=SP0800&snum=131&PID=0LD 1964 An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits ProgramCreate a Paid Family and Medical Leave program for Maine workers.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Triage-Cancer-Support-for-Maine-LD-1964.pdfDied on Adjournment 7/26/2023
Minnesota2022Biomarker Testingbillhttps://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF4899&ssn=0&y=2022HF4899/SF4610Health plans required to provide coverage for biomarker testing.SupportNo action taken
New Jersey2021State Guidelines for Step Therapy ProtocolsBillhttps://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2020/A4815S3051/A4815 Establishes certain guidelines for health insurance carriers concerning step therapy protocols.This act would ensure patient access to appropriate care by requiring health insurance carriers to base step therapy protocols on peer-reviewed data, exempting patients from step therapy when protocols would not be in the best interest of the patient, and establishing patients' right to a fair process for requesting exemptions.SupportPassed by House, died in Senate Commerce Committee
New York2022Biomarker TestingBillhttps://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A09149&term=2021&Summary=YA09149Assembly Bill A09149 will require increased coverage of Biomarker Testing for those on both public and private health insurance plans. Despite the clear benefits of biomarker testing, many insurance plans do not cover evidence-based biomarker testing for all patients who need it. Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NCOIL-biomarker-coalition-letter_FINAL.pdfDied in insurance committee
New York2020Paid Sick Leave for New YorkersBillhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/a9506New York Assembly Bill A9506BBuilding on protections created during the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill guarantees most New York residents one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.SupportSigned by the Governor 04/03/2021, effective 01/01/2021
North Carolina2021Medicaid ExpasionBillhttps://lrs.sog.unc.edu/bill-summaries-lookup/H/149/2021/H149H149 Will expand access to eligible adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty LevelThis bill would allow adults who do not qualify under another program to enroll in Medicaid if their income is below 138% of poverty. NC expects that about 600,000 low income individuals would become eligible under expansion criteria.Supporthttps://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Triage-Cancer-Support-for-HB-149.pdfPassed the Senate (6/2/2022), Returned to House, no further action taken
Ohio2021Enact Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination ActBillhttps://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-248HB 248-11 Enact Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination ActThe legislature has heard that this bill’s purpose is to prevent the COVID-19 vaccine from becoming mandatory, but HB 248-11 applies to ALL immunizations, including childhood vaccines. If passed, this legislation has the potential to reverse decades of immunity from life-threatening, but vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, hepatitis, meningitis and polio.Opposehttps://triagecancer.org/Vaccine-Coalition-Letter_6.14Died in the House Health Committee
Pennsylvania2022The MRI BillBillhttps://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1225S1225This will clarify that the MRI/Ultrasound coverage extends to women with any of the following risk factors, and without the application of any deductible, copayment or coinsurance provisions contained in the policy or plan:personal history of atypical breast histologies;personal history or family history of breast cancer;genetic predisposition for breast cancer;prior therapeutic thoracic radiation therapy;extremely dense or heterogeneously dense breast tissue based on breast composition categories of the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System established by the American College of Radiology.SupportPassed by the Senate, referred to the House Insurance committee, no further action taken

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