BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2813

By: King, Ken

Insurance

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the high mortality rate for women with ovarian cancer is largely because the disease has vague symptoms and that the manifestation of the disease is not recognized until it is too late. The parties note that this is compounded by the circumstance that women are not regularly screened for the disease in the same manner as for cervical cancer and breast cancer. These factors result in the disease being diagnosed almost always at an advanced stage, making it very difficult to successfully treat. However, early detection and intervention can significantly increase the odds of permanent remission. Interested parties contend that the CA 125 blood test is a promising diagnostic tool, especially when used in conjunction with an ultrasound if the CA 125 is found to be elevated, indicating the possible presence of ovarian cancer. H.B. 2813 seeks to address these concerns by improving ovarian cancer screening practices.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2813 amends the Insurance Code to include coverage for expenses for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination for the early detection of ovarian cancer among the coverage a health benefit plan providing coverage for diagnostic medical procedures is required to provide to each woman 18 years of age or older enrolled in the plan. The bill includes a CA 125 blood test among the minimum such diagnostic medical procedure coverage required.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.