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The House passed H.B. 1631 today, by a vote of 124 to 48, which says insurance companies have to provide coverage for Osteoporosis bone mass screening tests. These tests cost approximately $200 and can alert physicians to bone density loss that occurs from Osteoporosis.
Supporters said lives would be saved and health care costs would decrease because of early detection. They also said insurance companies need to start focusing on preventative measures when providing health care coverage.
Those opposed claim insurance premiums would rise and this was nothing more than mandated coverage by the state. An amendment that narrowly failed would have required insurance companies to offer, instead of provide, coverage for Osteoporosis screening tests.
Some 25 million Americans are affected with Osteoporosis.
Another piece of legislation that passed today was H.B. 1656. Under this bill, sale tax would be exempt from popcorn sold by the Boy Scouts, blood glucose level measuring strips, the sale of grass sod, advertising inserts and funeral merchandise. This measure passed by a vote of 160 to 0.
Some other bills taken up today included H.B. 1373 that passed 140 to 22, which makes strikes
illegal by public employees whose service is essential to the community; H.B. 1511, that passed
167 to 0, and allows state employees to report fraud, abuse, and waste to their legislator without
fear of termination; and H.B. 1516 that passed 98 to 0, and gives a National Guardsman the
opportunity to go to any state institution, private college, or technical institute one hundred
percent tuition free.
To check on legislation click here