Assemblywoman Anderson advocates for cancer screening coverage in Nevada Medicaid bill
June 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on June 1, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 234, which aims to enhance Medicaid coverage for cancer screenings in Nevada. Assemblywoman Natha Anderson presented the bill, emphasizing its goal to improve access to early cancer detection for Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly for colorectal, breast, cervical, lung, and prostate cancers.
Anderson highlighted alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society, predicting over 17,000 new cancer diagnoses and approximately 5,450 cancer-related deaths in Nevada in 2025. She stressed that early screenings can significantly reduce mortality rates by allowing for timely treatment. The bill seeks to align Nevada's Medicaid practices with the federal Affordable Care Act, ensuring that all effective cancer screening tools are accessible to Nevadans.
During the discussion, concerns were raised about the fiscal implications of the bill, particularly regarding the inclusion of at-home DNA stool tests like Cologuard, which are not currently covered under Medicaid. Anderson noted that while the initial proposal included these tests, budget constraints necessitated adjustments to the bill. The revised version focuses on codifying existing practices rather than expanding coverage.
Carrie Harrington, executive director of the Nevada Cancer Coalition, expressed support for the bill, underscoring the importance of equal access to cancer screenings for Medicaid beneficiaries. She pointed out that while Nevada Medicaid covers various screenings, only breast and cervical cancer screenings are explicitly stated in the current statutes. The bill aims to provide parity in coverage, ensuring that all recommended screenings are available to those who may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare.
The committee members engaged in discussions about the bill's language and its alignment with current medical practices. The overall sentiment was one of support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to save lives through improved early detection of cancer.
As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of the bill and its implications for public health in Nevada, with plans for further discussions and potential amendments to address fiscal concerns while expanding access to vital cancer screenings.
Anderson highlighted alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society, predicting over 17,000 new cancer diagnoses and approximately 5,450 cancer-related deaths in Nevada in 2025. She stressed that early screenings can significantly reduce mortality rates by allowing for timely treatment. The bill seeks to align Nevada's Medicaid practices with the federal Affordable Care Act, ensuring that all effective cancer screening tools are accessible to Nevadans.
During the discussion, concerns were raised about the fiscal implications of the bill, particularly regarding the inclusion of at-home DNA stool tests like Cologuard, which are not currently covered under Medicaid. Anderson noted that while the initial proposal included these tests, budget constraints necessitated adjustments to the bill. The revised version focuses on codifying existing practices rather than expanding coverage.
Carrie Harrington, executive director of the Nevada Cancer Coalition, expressed support for the bill, underscoring the importance of equal access to cancer screenings for Medicaid beneficiaries. She pointed out that while Nevada Medicaid covers various screenings, only breast and cervical cancer screenings are explicitly stated in the current statutes. The bill aims to provide parity in coverage, ensuring that all recommended screenings are available to those who may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare.
The committee members engaged in discussions about the bill's language and its alignment with current medical practices. The overall sentiment was one of support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to save lives through improved early detection of cancer.
As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of the bill and its implications for public health in Nevada, with plans for further discussions and potential amendments to address fiscal concerns while expanding access to vital cancer screenings.
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