Hawaii Eliminates Colon Cancer Screening Costs

Hawaii is enhancing access to colon cancer care with the recent passage of House Bill 1969. Governor Josh Green signed the legislation, which mandates that state-funded insurers cover follow-up colonoscopies without co-payments or out-of-pocket expenses for eligible patients. This law went into effect immediately on July 9.

Colon cancer poses a significant health challenge in Hawaii, being the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. To address this, HB 1969 also establishes a state-funded financial assistance program for screenings and treatments, allocating $1.8 million for fiscal year 2026-27. This program will support those who are uninsured or underinsured, for whom colonoscopies can cost upwards of $4,500.

The bill's passage is seen as a crucial step in making early detection and treatment more accessible, especially as colorectal cancer has seen increasing mortality rates, even among younger populations. The Department of Health now recommends screening begin at age 45 for everyone aged 45 to 75.