Maine Passes LD 1502 to Eliminate Prostate Cancer Screening Costs for High-Risk Patients May 4, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Eric MillerVP, CommunicationsZERO Prostate Cancereric.miller@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org ZERO Prostate Cancer applauds the passage of LD 1502, a critical victory that removes cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for high‑risk patients across Maine. This legislation represents a meaningful step toward improving early detection and saving lives in a state that faces some of the most urgent prostate cancer challenges in the nation.ZERO Advocacy Leader and prostate cancer survivor, Paul Lewandowski, played a pivotal role in advancing LD 1502, working closely with House Majority Leader Matt Moonen to introduce the bill last year. The Maine Department of Insurance conducted an independent analysis of LD 1502 and found that eliminating cost‑sharing for diagnostic testing could generate savings through earlier detection, with no significant impact on the state budget, insurance premiums, or overall health care costs.“Eliminating cost sharing for prostate cancer screenings will reduce long-term costs for patients and save lives,” said Representative Moonen. “Prostate cancer has nearly a 100% survival rate, and is significantly less expensive to treat when it’s diagnosed early. Making screenings free will encourage more Maine men to listen to their doctors, get tested, and get the treatment they need. I want to thank Paul Lewandowski for bringing this bill to me, and for his tireless advocacy on this issue as a prostate cancer survivor himself.”Maine currently has the 5th highest rate of late‑stage prostate cancer and the 7th highest mortality rate in the United States. Removing financial barriers to screening is a vital step toward improving outcomes for men at the greatest risk.“Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, but many men opt out of testing because of the burden of insurance copays,” said Paul Lewandowski, ZERO’s Maine Advocacy Leader. “By eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic tests, this bill will help more men get screened and survive. Maine is leading the way as one of the few states taking action on this issue. Removing financial barriers is a crucial step toward better health outcomes for men.”With the passage of LD 1502, Maine becomes the 11th state to eliminate cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for high‑risk patients. ZERO Prostate Cancer is proud to stand with survivors, advocates, and lawmakers who are committed to advancing health equity and saving lives. About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO. Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Eric MillerVP, CommunicationsZERO Prostate Cancereric.miller@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org
ZERO Prostate Cancer applauds the passage of LD 1502, a critical victory that removes cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for high‑risk patients across Maine. This legislation represents a meaningful step toward improving early detection and saving lives in a state that faces some of the most urgent prostate cancer challenges in the nation.ZERO Advocacy Leader and prostate cancer survivor, Paul Lewandowski, played a pivotal role in advancing LD 1502, working closely with House Majority Leader Matt Moonen to introduce the bill last year. The Maine Department of Insurance conducted an independent analysis of LD 1502 and found that eliminating cost‑sharing for diagnostic testing could generate savings through earlier detection, with no significant impact on the state budget, insurance premiums, or overall health care costs.“Eliminating cost sharing for prostate cancer screenings will reduce long-term costs for patients and save lives,” said Representative Moonen. “Prostate cancer has nearly a 100% survival rate, and is significantly less expensive to treat when it’s diagnosed early. Making screenings free will encourage more Maine men to listen to their doctors, get tested, and get the treatment they need. I want to thank Paul Lewandowski for bringing this bill to me, and for his tireless advocacy on this issue as a prostate cancer survivor himself.”Maine currently has the 5th highest rate of late‑stage prostate cancer and the 7th highest mortality rate in the United States. Removing financial barriers to screening is a vital step toward improving outcomes for men at the greatest risk.“Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, but many men opt out of testing because of the burden of insurance copays,” said Paul Lewandowski, ZERO’s Maine Advocacy Leader. “By eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic tests, this bill will help more men get screened and survive. Maine is leading the way as one of the few states taking action on this issue. Removing financial barriers is a crucial step toward better health outcomes for men.”With the passage of LD 1502, Maine becomes the 11th state to eliminate cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for high‑risk patients. ZERO Prostate Cancer is proud to stand with survivors, advocates, and lawmakers who are committed to advancing health equity and saving lives.
About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org
More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO.
