Pennsylvania law lowers age for free colon cancer screenings to 45
The new measure, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, closes a coverage gap for residents with state-regulated insurance plans and aligns state rules with recent medical guidelines.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Pennsylvania residents with state-regulated health insurance will receive colon cancer screenings at no cost starting at age 45. The new law, which lowers the previous eligibility threshold from 50 to 45, was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on October 22 after passing the state legislature with bipartisan support.
The legislation takes effect in December. Most state-regulated insurance plans are required to implement the changes by 2028. The coverage applies to routine screening procedures, which may include colonoscopies, stool test kits, and blood tests.
The age reduction aligns state regulations with updated medical guidance. The American Cancer Society recommended starting screenings at 45 in 2018, citing rising disease rates among people under 50. In 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force issued a similar recommendation. Federal agencies subsequently adopted the change, requiring private health insurance plans to cover these screenings at no cost for eligible patients.
A gap remained for individuals with state-regulated insurance. Under previous rules, those under 50 without a documented family history of colon cancer might have been charged for screening tests. State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Philadelphia, a lead sponsor of the bill, stated that insurance companies often avoided paying for preventative maintenance when patients fell into these coverage gaps.
Gallagher, a colon cancer survivor, noted that the new law addresses a specific financial barrier. He was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer at age 45. He estimated that his insurance paid approximately $1 million for his care. This included multiple surgeries, a temporary colostomy bag, and chemotherapy.
Gallagher contrasted that cost with the average $2,500 expense for insurers to cover a screening colonoscopy. He described his treatment as brutal but argued that early detection is a treatable and curable path. "It’s one small step to a greater step to get people early detection," he said.
The legislation does not extend free screenings to adults younger than 45. Gallagher acknowledged that many younger adults could benefit from earlier testing but noted the current law focuses on the 45 to 49 age group. He plans to introduce legislation in the next term to lower the minimum age further. "I think we can go back and get it to 40, which I think is important," he said.
State Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, also supported the bill. Harris represented parts of West and Southwest Philadelphia in the state House. His wife, Tiffany Harris, died from colon cancer in 2024 at age 36.
Harris stated that his wife was not considered high risk prior to her diagnosis. He suggested that routine screening might have detected her case earlier. "No family in Pennsylvania should have to experience that same pain," Harris said in a statement following the bill's final passage.
