GA Seeks to Require Insurers to Cover Colon Cancer Screening

Georgia Governor Roy Barnes announced he was sponsoring legislation to require insurance companies in Georgia to cover the cost of screening, examinations and laboratory tests for the early detection of colon cancer.

"If covered by insurance, not only will more people be inclined to have the tests done, but those who never could have afforded them otherwise can be screened," said Barnes. "Detecting colorectal cancer early increases the 5-year survival rate to about 90 percent."

"For every dollar we spend on prevention, we can save $4.40 on treatment," said State Rep. Mickey Channell.

Other Sources: Atlanta Journal-Constitution