BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 670

By: King, Ken

Insurance

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In light of ongoing research regarding early detection of ovarian cancer, there have been calls to expand health insurance coverage with regard to the well woman exam to include coverage for more tests or screenings for detecting ovarian cancer. H.B. 670 seeks to address this issue by including any federally approved test or screening for the detection of ovarian cancer in the minimum required coverage for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination for the early detection of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer provided by a health benefit plan.

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. 670 amends the Insurance Code to include in the minimum required coverage for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination for the early detection of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer provided by a health benefit plan to each woman 18 years of age or older enrolled in the plan any test or screening approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the detection of ovarian cancer. The bill applies only to a health benefit plan delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2020.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.