Addabbo Bill Mandating Health Insurance Coverage for Lung Cancer Approved By The Senate

Queens, NY (March 24, 2025): The New York State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill S.2000, sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., mandating health insurance coverage for follow-up screening and diagnostic services for lung cancer without patient cost sharing. The bill aims to improve early detection and treatment of lung cancer by removing financial barriers associated with necessary follow-up tests.

Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths among New Yorkers. Each year, over 6,700 men and 7,200 women in New York are diagnosed with lung cancer, with approximately 3,800 men and 3,600 women succumbing to the disease. Detecting lung cancer early is challenging, as symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer is in an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.

Despite the effectiveness of lung cancer screening, uptake has been low, with approximately 19.5% of eligible individuals getting screened. Research indicates that cost-sharing, including co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles, presents a significant barrier to completing the process, preventing many patients from accessing critical early detection resources.

“Far too many people are impacted by cancer, either personally or through a close relative or friend. I’m proud to make early detection screening and treatment available to everyone, especially those who would otherwise avoid these important tools, due to the cost,” said Addabbo. “An individual’s health is one of the most precious things affecting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That's why it's so important to be proactive about your health and take appropriate actions to prevent illness and disease,” concluded Addabbo

Addabbo’s bill received bipartisan support in the Senate and has been delivered to the Assembly for consideration. Advocacy groups, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), have supported Addabbo’s bill and urged the Assembly to pass the companion bill, A.1195, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, without delay.