SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2305

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 9, 2022

     The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2305.

     This bill requires health insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screenings recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and eliminates cost-sharing requirements for colonoscopies performed following a positive result on a non-colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening test.

     Presently, health benefit plans are only required to cover a colorectal cancer screening at regular intervals for a person who is aged 50 and over, or for a person of any age who is considered to be at high risk for colorectal cancer. 

     Under this bill, health insurance carriers (including health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, and the Medicaid Program) will be required to cover a colorectal cancer screening recommended by the USPSTF.  The bill also eliminates cost-sharing requirements for colonoscopies performed following a positive result on a non-colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening test recommended by the USPSTF.