HB 421 Kentucky House · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to colorectal cancer screenings.

Summary
Amend KRS 304.17A-257 to require coverage for all colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests specified in the United States Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer guidelines for certain covered persons; require coverage for all United States Food and Drug Administration-approved bowel preparation prescribed in connection with a colorectal cancer examination or test; prohibit prior authorization requirements for colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests; provide an exemption from the cost sharing prohibition for Health Savings Account-qualified High Deductible Health Plans under certain circumstances; provide that the colorectal cancer examination and laboratory test coverage section applies to health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026; establish construction of certain provisions for purposes of federal law and require state officials to comply; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to obtain federal approval, if necessary and comply with notice requirements; EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2026.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Feb 11, 2025 Signed Apr 2, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Current/Final · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates Kentucky's colorectal cancer screening requirements for health benefit plans, clarifying which guidelines must be followed and ensuring coverage is provided without cost-sharing barriers. The changes refine how screening eligibility is determined and maintain compliance with federal regulations while extending the effective date to January 1, 2026.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on colorectal cancer screening coverage for health benefit plans, but the specific guidelines referenced and eligibility criteria have been clarified and reorganized for better alignment with federal standards.
REQUIREMENT

Screening guidelines now explicitly reference both American Cancer Society and Multi-Society Task Force guidelines in a clearer structure, ensuring comprehensive coverage of recommended tests.

Coverage requirements now explicitly confirm that bowel preparation and all screening tests must be covered without prior authorization or cost-sharing when provided by participating providers.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility criteria for high-risk individuals under 45 were reorganized for clarity, maintaining the same age and risk-based requirements.

TIMELINE

The effective date for the new coverage requirements remains January 1, 2026, with technical updates to document headers and tracking information.

TECHNICAL

Added document tracking information including bill number (HB 421/GA) and updated page headers to reflect current legislative status.

Floor votes · House Mar 5, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
27
Key actions
7
Committee
6
Apr 2, 2025
Signed into law
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 158)
lower
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
lower
Mar 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
3rd reading, passed 37-0
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported favorably, 2nd reading, to Rules
lower
Mar 7, 2025
Committee
to Banking & Insurance (S)
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
to Committee on Committees (S)
upper
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
3rd reading, passed 98-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
to Banking & Insurance (H)
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Committee
to Committee on Committees (H)
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Introduced
introduced in House
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.