Chapter 477 Oregon Laws 2005

AN ACT

SB 1026

Relating to health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2005 Act is added to and made a part of ORS chapter 743.

SECTION 2. (1) An insurer offering a health insurance policy that covers hospital, medical or surgical expenses, other than coverage limited to expenses from accidents or specific diseases, shall provide coverage for prostate cancer screening examinations including a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test:

(a) For men who are 50 years of age or older biennially or as determined by the treating physician; and

(b) For men younger than 50 years of age who are at high risk for prostate cancer as determined by the treating physician, including African-American men and men with a family medical history of prostate cancer.

(2) Health care service contractors, as defined in ORS 750.005, and trusts carrying out a multiple employer welfare arrangement, as defined in ORS 750.301, are subject to subsection (1) of this section.

SECTION 3. Section 2 of this 2005 Act applies to health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after the effective date of this 2005 Act.

Approved by the Governor July 7, 2005

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 7, 2005

Effective date January 1, 2006

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