Earlier today, the New York State Senate voted to remove barriers to lung cancer screening in New York State, passing critical legislation to better equip New Yorkers to detect and treat lung cancer. S2000-A / A1195-A ensures comprehensive insurance coverage for lung cancer screening and eliminates cost sharing for recommended lung cancer screening, follow-up scans and diagnostic tests for asymptomatic individuals by all payers in the state.
The follow is a a statement from Michael Davoli, senior government relations director in New York for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), on the final passage of S2000-A / A1195-A.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York State. In 2025 alone, more than 12,000 New Yorkers will be diagnosed and 6,000 will die from the disease. If we are interested in seeing these numbers come down and losing fewer New Yorkers to lung cancer, then more people need to get screened. Clinical trials tell us that lung cancer screening significantly reduces lung cancer mortality. But in order to see mortality rates decline and truly activate the potential of early detection, there cannot be barriers to screening—at any point in the process.
"ACS CAN understands that cancer screening is a continuum of testing rather than a single recommended screening test. Out-of-pocket costs for individuals often lead to delayed or missed lung cancer screenings. Delayed or missed screenings can lead to delays in follow-up testing and treatment, which ultimately impacts a person’s survival. This legislation will ensure that out-of-pocket costs are never a barrier to lung cancer screening and will help save lives from lung cancer.
"We thank Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for championing this important legislation in their respective houses and encourage Governor Hochul to sign it right away.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
