(Juneau) - House Bill 393, sponsored by Representative Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage), passed the Senate today by a vote of 18 to 2. HB 393 would require that insurance companies cover screening for colorectal cancer.

Alaska state law currently requires health insurance policies to cover screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, but fails to include colon cancer despite the fact it has a recommended screening test. This bill will complete the list, increasing access to all life-saving cancer screenings in Alaska.

"I sponsored the bill because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the nation and Native Alaskans have the highest rate of colorectal cancer in the country. Early detection of colon cancer will save lives and money, which is essential to the health of Alaskans," said Representative Anderson.

HB 393 is awaiting signature from Governor Murkowski.

# # #