Proposal lauded by patient advocates, medical leaders and public health groups as critical toward ensuring more New Yorkers can detect and treat lung cancer
ALBANY, NY–MARCH 18, 2025–This afternoon, the New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for lung cancer screenings and follow-up tests for all eligible New Yorkers insured through a state-regulated health plan, including Medicaid. Senate Bill 2000, sponsored by Senator Joseph Addabbo, received sweeping, bipartisan support and the backing of a coalition of patient advocates, medical leaders and public health organizations.
Lung cancer is the number one cancer leading to death and is expected to take the lives of over 6,000 New Yorkers this year alone. Every year, around 14,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with lung cancer, and the five-year lung cancer survival rate in New York is only 32.1%. Fortunately, the ability to detect lung cancer early can have a dramatic effect on survival. For example, in the case of non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 65% when found at a localized stage but only 9% when found at a distant stage.
Despite the effectiveness of lung cancer screening, uptake has been low, with only about 19.5% of eligible individuals getting screened. Research shows that cost-sharing, including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles, presents a significant barrier to completion of the lung cancer screening process, preventing many patients from activating the critical early detection resource.
“Out-of-pocket costs should not be a deterrent to seeking lifesaving care. These costs undermine the benefit of screening in reducing lung cancer deaths, leaving far too many New Yorkers unscreened and at risk of delaying a diagnosis. That is unacceptable,” said Michael Davoli, Senior Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in New York. “We are grateful to the Senate for recognizing this legislation as an opportunity to rectify a life-threatening gap in New Yorkers’ ability to detect, treat and survive lung cancer.”
State law prohibits patient cost-sharing for all other types of cancer screening, including colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening. Lung cancer screening is the only type of cancer screening for which patients can be required to pay out of pocket for follow-up screening or tests.
ACS CAN stands alongside the American Lung Association, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone, Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University Cancer Center, University of Rochester Cancer Center, Brooklyn College Cancer Center and other major cancer centers and advocacy groups across the state in calling for the Assembly to pass their companion bill A1195, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples, without delay.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, 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’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
The post Senate Unanimously Passes Legislation Improving New Yorkers’ Access to Lung Cancer Screening; Coalition Backing Bill Applauds Senators & Calls on Assembly to Follow Suit appeared first on EMPIRE REPORT NEW YORK 2025® NEW YORK’S 24/7 NEWS SITE.
