Sec. 7.8. (a) As used in this section, "covered individual" means an individual who is:

(1) covered under a self-insurance program established under section 7(b) of this chapter to provide group health coverage; or

(2) entitled to services under a contract with a health maintenance organization (as defined in IC 27-13-1-19) that is entered into or renewed under section 7(c) of this chapter.

(b) A:

(1) self-insurance program established under section 7(b) of this chapter to provide health care coverage; or

(2) contract with a health maintenance organization that is entered into or renewed under section 7(c) of this chapter;

must provide coverage for colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests for cancer for any nonsymptomatic covered individual, in accordance with the current American Cancer Society guidelines.

(c) For a covered individual who is:

(1) at least fifty (50) years of age; or

(2) less than fifty (50) years of age and at high risk for colorectal cancer according to the most recent published guidelines of the American Cancer Society;

the coverage required under this section must meet the requirements set forth in subsection (d).

(d) A covered individual may not be required to pay an additional deductible or coinsurance for the colorectal cancer examination and laboratory testing benefit that is greater than an annual deductible or coinsurance established for similar benefits under a self-insurance program or contract with a health maintenance organization. If the program or contract does not cover a similar benefit, a deductible or coinsurance may not be set at a level that materially diminishes the value of the colorectal cancer examination and laboratory testing benefit required under this section.

As added by P.L.54-2000, SEC.1.