MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Patient advocacy groups including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer applaud Alabama State Sen. Steve Livingston for pre-filing Senate Bill 19, which eliminates cost sharing for lifesaving prostate cancer screenings for those covered by state-regulated insurance. The bill, which was pre-filed this month in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, would reduce barriers for men over 40 at high risk of developing prostate cancer. If passed, Alabama would become the tenth state in the country to pass a law eliminating cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening for those at high-risk.
“This bill would make Alabama a nationwide leader in helping to reduce the cancer burden,” said Jane Adams, government relations director for ACS CAN in Alabama. “People at high risk for prostate cancer should be able to access impactful screenings without the threat of extra costs. We are grateful to Sen. Livingston for filing this bill again and urge lawmakers to get it over the finish line in 2026.”
It’s estimated that nearly 5,500 Alabamians will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025. Some are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others, including those who have one or more first-degree relatives with a prostate cancer history and African American men. Prostate cancer survival rates increase when detected early, which emphasizes the importance of access to screenings.
“ZERO is deeply grateful for Senator Livingston’s unwavering advocacy on behalf of his constituent, David, and for his leadership in driving this critical effort forward," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. “We also thank Senator Livingston and Representative Gray for championing the reintroduction of this vital legislation. Now we urge Alabama lawmakers to stand with men and families who need them most by ensuring its passage next year.”
The Alabama legislative session begins January 13, 2026.
