Alabama Lawmakers Approve Free Cancer Screenings for Insured Residents

New bills require insurance coverage of prostate and breast cancer tests with no out-of-pocket costs.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Alabama House of Representatives has passed two bills that will make certain cancer screenings free for insured residents. Senate Bill 19 requires insurance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men over 40 and all men over 50 with no copays, deductibles or other cost-sharing. House Bill 300 creates similar provisions for mammograms and other breast cancer diagnostic exams for women over 40. Both bills passed with unanimous support and now head to the governor's desk.

Why it matters

These bills aim to improve access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings by removing financial barriers. Early detection is critical for effective treatment, so eliminating out-of-pocket costs could encourage more Alabamians to get tested regularly.

The details

Senate Bill 19 was carried in the House by Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, and sponsored in the Senate by Majority Leader Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro. It specifies that Black men and men with a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer are considered high-risk. An amendment was added to name the bill after businessman David 'Mac' McElhaney and journalist Roy S. Johnson, both of whom have battled prostate cancer. House Bill 300, introduced by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, creates similar provisions for mammograms and other breast cancer screenings for women over 40.

  • The bills were approved by the Alabama House on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Senate Bill 19 now heads to the governor's desk, while House Bill 300 moves to the Senate for consideration.

The players

Jeremy Gray

A Democratic state representative from Opelika who carried Senate Bill 19 in the House.

Steve Livingston

The Republican state Senate Majority Leader who sponsored Senate Bill 19.

Juandalyn Givan

A Democratic state representative from Birmingham who offered an amendment to name Senate Bill 19 after David 'Mac' McElhaney and Roy S. Johnson.

Frances Holk-Jones

The Republican state representative from Foley who introduced House Bill 300.

Linda Coleman-Madison

The Democratic state senator from Birmingham who sponsored the companion bill to House Bill 300 in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“If we can do anything to help make this burden lighter on Alabama families, I appreciate it and thank you for carrying this bill.”

— Curtis Travis, Democratic state representative from Tuscaloosa (aldailynews.com)

“Customer demands and science on issues like this have the ability to shape coverage – but in this case these bills simply reflect the current coverages we already have in place.”

— Sophie Martin, Spokesperson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (aldailynews.com)

What’s next

House Bill 300 now heads to the Alabama Senate for consideration, while Senate Bill 19 moves to the governor's desk for signature.

The takeaway

These bills demonstrate Alabama's commitment to improving access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings by eliminating financial barriers for insured residents. The unanimous bipartisan support highlights the importance of early detection in the fight against breast and prostate cancer.