Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) | Photo Courtesy of Adriane Johnson's website
Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) | Photo Courtesy of Adriane Johnson's website
Illinois Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) proposed legislation that would require insurance companies to cover screenings to detect ulcerative colitis, polyps, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
House Bill 2653 would make it mandatory for insurance companies to cover the cost of a colonoscopy that is medically necessary after an initial screening, and patients could not be charged a deductible, copayment or other cost-sharing requirements, a release from Sen. Johnson's office said.
"If your doctor recommends a colonoscopy, you should be able to get one, regardless of your income level," the Buffalo Grove legislator posted to Facebook May 12. "This simple procedure could detect or even prevent cancer — it could save your life."
According to the release, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women, but the survival rate is 90% if detected early.
Colonoscopies do not only screen for colorectal cancer but can detect an array of different gastrointestinal issues and health conditions before they become cancerous.
House Bill 2653 passed the Senate Insurance Committee May 12 and heads to the Senate for consideration.
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