Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-16 Senate Journal Page 0086 SB 38 SENATE BILL NO. 38 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to a new optional group of persons eligible for medical assistance who require treatment for breast or cervical cancer; and providing for an effective date." 2001-01-16 Senate Journal Page 0087 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Halford: This past year, Congress passed legislation to improve health care for women by extending Medicaid coverage for treatment of breast and cervical cancer. In the interest of improving Alaskans' health care, I am pleased to present this bill that allows the state to take advantage of this worthwhile program. By opting into this new Medicaid program, uninsured women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer under a federally financed screening program will be eligible for treatment. In Alaska that could mean some 70 women or so per year who could not otherwise afford cancer treatment may be able to receive care. The federal program began in 1990 when Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act establishing the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) national breast and cervical cancer early detection program. The CDC program provides grants for screening exams to millions of people who meet eligibility guidelines throughout the country each year, including Alaska. The grantees provide clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and mammograms. Unfortunately, federal money did not provide for follow-up treatment to any of the uninsured persons diagnosed with cancer - until now. With last year's Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act signed into law, states may select a new Medicaid option to cover cancer treatments of uninsured women diagnosed under the CDC early detection program. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 182,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 12,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to occur among women in the United 2001-01-16 Senate Journal Page 0088 States during 2000, resulting in an estimated 45,400 deaths. As a result of the recent congressional action, diagnosed, uninsured, low-income persons can receive the treatment needed to save their lives. In order to extend this program to Alaska women, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor