State Senator Julie Morrison and the American Cancer Society Action Network at a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of cancer and advocate for measures to tackle the deadly disease. Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance as long as the patient meets the age requirement.  

Senator Morrison is working with the Cancer Society to pass Senate Bill 2697.  She says changes could make private insurance coverage easier for prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the disease.  Insurance companies would also be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

Senator Morrison is leading House Bill 5405 to the Senate as well.  This would increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials of drugs or medical devices by implementing rules that trials must follow if they receive funding from the National Institutes of Health.  Diversifying representation in clinical trials will result in more accurate, generalizable studies.

Senate Bill 2697 has passed the Senate and the House Insurance Committee.  It now moves to the full House for further consideration.  House Bill 5405 passed the House and has been assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee.