This bill makes health plans cover prostate cancer screening for certain men with no copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs. It applies to men age 40 and older who are at high risk, including African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer. Family history includes having a close relative who had prostate cancer, died from it, developed it, or has a related cancer or a known genetic change tied to higher risk. The goal is to catch cancer early, when survival is much higher and treatment costs are lower .

The bill cites data showing prostate cancer is common, often has no early symptoms, and hits African-American men harder. Early-stage prostate cancer has a near 100% survival rate, but late-stage survival is much lower. Removing cost barriers is meant to encourage screening for those at higher risk .

• Who is affected: Men 40+ at high risk (including African-American men and those with a qualifying family history) with group or individual health insurance .
• What changes: Health plans must cover evidence-based prostate cancer screening for these men without cost-sharing (no copays or deductibles) .
• When it starts: For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2025 .