Millions of North Carolinians’ Medical Debt Erased
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Shawn O'Neal
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Cervical Cancer Screening Legislation Will Save Lives of Oregonians
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Volunteer Advocates Urge Elimination of Cost Share for Supplemental Procedures
February 2, 2026
SALEM, Oregon –– Cervical cancer screenings save many Oregonian lives, but too often patients must make significant financial sacrifice for a full, clear diagnosis and some simply cannot afford to get to the bottom of a potentially deadly initial screening result. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity to bridge that gap this session as it considers eliminating out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary follow-up cervical cancer procedures for those enrolled in insurance plans subject to state regulation.
Senate Bill 1527 will be heard Wednesday by the Senate Committee on Health Care, as lawmakers open the 2026 session with a significant opportunity to assure income level does not dictate a patient’s ability to detect or survive cancer.
"It's time we remove the barriers preventing so many from getting the life-saving procedures they need. Early detection leads to better health outcomes and ultimately reduces health care costs. This is an opportunity to help many Oregonians and save money in the long term," American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Oregon Government Relations Director Jane Leo said.
For the roughly 5 percent of cervical screenings with abnormal results, a follow-up procedure is necessary to determine the presence of pre-cancer or cancer cells. Patients are covered fully for the initial screen, but out-of-pocket cost for the additional procedures lead some to go without, resulting in a higher risk of being diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The cost of a follow-up procedure, on average, is $700 to more than $1,000, even for commercially insured patients. The legislation does not eliminate out-of-pocket costs for treatment, only diagnostic testing. If passed, the legislation would align with federal screening guidelines to take effect in 2027.
“Families should not have to choose between daily necessities and life-saving cancer screenings,” Leo said. “These are not just financial decisions for families, but choices that could be life or death. Lawmakers have an opportunity to make this fix and we ask the Senate Health Care committee to move it forward.”
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