Saving Lives by Eliminating Costs of Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Out-of-pocket costs are an unnecessary barrier to discovering and addressing prostate cancer, and it has an outsized impact on lower-income, people of color, and those who don't have ready access to quality healthcare. Jump To Jump To Barriers to Early Detection ZERO's Initiative Take Action Today Federal Initiatives State Initiatives Early detection continues to be the most effective means to saving lives from prostate cancer. Breaking down barriers to screening (especially for patients at high risk) is one of our top priorities at both the federal and state levels. We aim to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients being screened for prostate cancer, no matter where they live.Prostate cancer has remarkable similarity to other forms of cancer in terms of incidence, average age of new diagnoses, and mortality rates. But unlike other forms of disease, patients who get screened for prostate cancer often have to cover the costs of coinsurance, co-pays, deductibles, or denied coverage. Barriers to Early Detection Despite the clear benefits, many men face significant barriers to early prostate cancer detection:Financial costs: Screening tests and follow-up diagnostics can be expensive, especially for uninsured or underinsured individuals.Time constraints: Taking time off work for medical appointments can be challenging for many men.Lack of awareness: Many men are unaware of the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings.Fear and anxiety: Concerns about the screening process or potential diagnosis can deter men from getting tested.These barriers disproportionately affect minority communities and those with lower socioeconomic status, contributing to health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Understanding Financial Costs as a BarrierThe financial burden associated with prostate cancer screening and diagnosis remains a substantial obstacle for many men. While the initial PSA blood test is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $80, the costs can quickly escalate if further testing is required. Follow-up tests such as digital rectal exams (DRE), prostate biopsies, or advanced imaging like MRIs can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For uninsured or underinsured individuals, these expenses can be prohibitive, leading to delayed or foregone screenings.Even for those with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be significant. Many insurance plans have high deductibles or copayments for specialist visits and diagnostic procedures. Additionally, some plans may not cover certain types of screenings or may require pre-authorization, adding another layer of complexity and potential cost. The fear of these potential expenses, coupled with concerns about lost wages due to time off work for medical appointments, can deter men from seeking early detection services.The financial barrier to early detection disproportionately affects low-income communities and racial minorities, contributing to health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Studies have shown that men in these groups are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage prostate cancer, partly due to reduced access to regular screenings. By addressing the financial costs associated with early detection, we can take a significant step towards equalizing access to care and improving prostate cancer survival rates across all demographics.Impact of Early Detection By eliminating costs and barriers to early detection, we can:Increase screening rates among at-risk populations Detect prostate cancer at earlier, more treatable stages Reduce prostate cancer mortality rates Improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients and survivors Facts related to screening and early detection 99% of patients are able to survive prostate cancer if it's detected early. Black Men are twice as likely to die mainly due to a lack of access to PSA testing and quality care. Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. That is why I meet with my elected representatives to ensure that high-risk populations such as Black men can get tested early for prostate cancer, and with the fewest barriers possible. — Eddie Wright ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative ZERO actively advocates for policies that ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings. Our efforts include: Lobbying for legislation to mandate coverage of prostate cancer screenings Working with payors to expand their coverage options Providing resources to help patients navigate insurance challenges Take Action Today Early detection saves lives. Don't let cost be a barrier to potentially life-saving screenings. See below about ways you can take action.Do you have any questions? Contact Ali Manson, our Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy at ali@zerocancer.org. Register for 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Register for 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Register now for the most impactful event in the prostate cancer community! Call your representative today Call your representative today Taking just a minute or two out of your day to contact your elected representatives to help pass PSA Screening for Him Act can save lives. Sign up for advocacy alerts Sign up for advocacy alerts Get involved and join us to pass legislation in state governments nationwide that promotes accessibility and affordability of prostate cancer screenings. Early Detection Saves Lives Federal Legislation ZERO asks elected officials to support for simple, common-sense legislation that will eliminate the cost of screening for people who have high risk of developing prostate cancer. View the one-pager PSA Screening for HIM ActOn Federal level, current efforts to minimize and eliminate financial costs as a barrier to early screening and prostate cancer detection take the form of the PSA Screening for HIM Act. The Act would protect high-risk individuals from cost-sharing in the form of copays, co-insurance, and deductibles. State EffortsAt the state level, ZERO leads the charge to connect with legislatures and introduce legislation to eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening. Our bold goal is to make screening free in 25 states by 2030. Making testing free across states: early wins Expand All New York In 2018, New York became the first state in the country to pass a law that supports full insurance coverage of the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which helps determine prostate cancer risk. Maryland In early 2020, ZERO and local advocates in Maryland helped pass a bill at the Maryland State House that will remove prostate cancer screening cost-sharing for men ages 40-75 in the state. The law went into effect in January 2021. Read editorials from legislators and patients in support of this effort.With prostate cancer being the most diagnosed male-only cancer in the state, this legislation has the power to catch the disease early and save lives and prevent any financial barriers to care. Rhode Island In April 2021, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening. Under this new benefit, men in Rhode Island will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening received from an in-network provider beginning on January 1, 2022. Illinois On June 10, 2022, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed into law HB 5318. It was introduced by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, a prostate cancer survivor and passed both chambers in late April. HB 5318 will save the lives of countless men in Illinois by eliminating cost sharing for prostate cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic testing, including imaging. Oregon In January 2024, Oregon Health Authority’s Health Evidence Review Commission passed a recommendation to eliminate cost-sharing for PSA screening for all men in Oregon. Because of this decision, men in Oregon will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs from PSA screening, regardless of their prostate cancer risk. Kentucky In April of 2024, Governor Beshear signed HB 52 into law. Introduced by Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon, HB 52 requires coverage of cancer screenings, including prostate cancer screenings, without any out-of-pocket costs for those at high risk. This removes an important barrier to early detection and saves lives in Kentucky. Tennessee In May 2024, Governor Lee signed into law HB 2954. Introduced by Representative G.A. Hardaway, ZERO and local advocates helped pass HB 2954, which provides coverage of prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs for high-risk patients, to save Tennessean lives through early detection. Delaware Governor John Carney signed HB 302 on October 28, 2024, making Delaware the eighth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain risk factors. Washington, D.C. In October of 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law B25-0229, legislation that eliminates out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screenings. Washington, D.C. has the highest per-capita fatality rate for prostate cancer in the country, according to American Cancer Society data from 2024, so removing barriers to screenings is of vital importance to those who live in our nation's capital. State Prostate Cancer Policy Action Center Follow the link to see if your state currently has prostate cancer legislation in motion and take action! State Policy Action Center Getting involved in my state's effort to remove cost-sharing from prostate cancer screening was such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I help make an impact in the lives of men, but I became even more connected and active in my local prostate cancer community! — Judy Berman, Caregiver ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening Sponsors
Jump To Jump To Barriers to Early Detection ZERO's Initiative Take Action Today Federal Initiatives State Initiatives
Early detection continues to be the most effective means to saving lives from prostate cancer. Breaking down barriers to screening (especially for patients at high risk) is one of our top priorities at both the federal and state levels. We aim to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients being screened for prostate cancer, no matter where they live.Prostate cancer has remarkable similarity to other forms of cancer in terms of incidence, average age of new diagnoses, and mortality rates. But unlike other forms of disease, patients who get screened for prostate cancer often have to cover the costs of coinsurance, co-pays, deductibles, or denied coverage.
Barriers to Early Detection Despite the clear benefits, many men face significant barriers to early prostate cancer detection:Financial costs: Screening tests and follow-up diagnostics can be expensive, especially for uninsured or underinsured individuals.Time constraints: Taking time off work for medical appointments can be challenging for many men.Lack of awareness: Many men are unaware of the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings.Fear and anxiety: Concerns about the screening process or potential diagnosis can deter men from getting tested.These barriers disproportionately affect minority communities and those with lower socioeconomic status, contributing to health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Understanding Financial Costs as a BarrierThe financial burden associated with prostate cancer screening and diagnosis remains a substantial obstacle for many men. While the initial PSA blood test is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $80, the costs can quickly escalate if further testing is required. Follow-up tests such as digital rectal exams (DRE), prostate biopsies, or advanced imaging like MRIs can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For uninsured or underinsured individuals, these expenses can be prohibitive, leading to delayed or foregone screenings.Even for those with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be significant. Many insurance plans have high deductibles or copayments for specialist visits and diagnostic procedures. Additionally, some plans may not cover certain types of screenings or may require pre-authorization, adding another layer of complexity and potential cost. The fear of these potential expenses, coupled with concerns about lost wages due to time off work for medical appointments, can deter men from seeking early detection services.The financial barrier to early detection disproportionately affects low-income communities and racial minorities, contributing to health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Studies have shown that men in these groups are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage prostate cancer, partly due to reduced access to regular screenings. By addressing the financial costs associated with early detection, we can take a significant step towards equalizing access to care and improving prostate cancer survival rates across all demographics.Impact of Early Detection By eliminating costs and barriers to early detection, we can:Increase screening rates among at-risk populations Detect prostate cancer at earlier, more treatable stages Reduce prostate cancer mortality rates Improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients and survivors
Facts related to screening and early detection 99% of patients are able to survive prostate cancer if it's detected early. Black Men are twice as likely to die mainly due to a lack of access to PSA testing and quality care.
Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. That is why I meet with my elected representatives to ensure that high-risk populations such as Black men can get tested early for prostate cancer, and with the fewest barriers possible. — Eddie Wright
ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative ZERO actively advocates for policies that ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings. Our efforts include: Lobbying for legislation to mandate coverage of prostate cancer screenings Working with payors to expand their coverage options Providing resources to help patients navigate insurance challenges
Take Action Today Early detection saves lives. Don't let cost be a barrier to potentially life-saving screenings. See below about ways you can take action.Do you have any questions? Contact Ali Manson, our Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy at ali@zerocancer.org. Register for 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Register for 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit Register now for the most impactful event in the prostate cancer community! Call your representative today Call your representative today Taking just a minute or two out of your day to contact your elected representatives to help pass PSA Screening for Him Act can save lives. Sign up for advocacy alerts Sign up for advocacy alerts Get involved and join us to pass legislation in state governments nationwide that promotes accessibility and affordability of prostate cancer screenings.
Early Detection Saves Lives Federal Legislation ZERO asks elected officials to support for simple, common-sense legislation that will eliminate the cost of screening for people who have high risk of developing prostate cancer. View the one-pager
PSA Screening for HIM ActOn Federal level, current efforts to minimize and eliminate financial costs as a barrier to early screening and prostate cancer detection take the form of the PSA Screening for HIM Act. The Act would protect high-risk individuals from cost-sharing in the form of copays, co-insurance, and deductibles.
State EffortsAt the state level, ZERO leads the charge to connect with legislatures and introduce legislation to eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening. Our bold goal is to make screening free in 25 states by 2030.
Making testing free across states: early wins Expand All New York In 2018, New York became the first state in the country to pass a law that supports full insurance coverage of the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which helps determine prostate cancer risk. Maryland In early 2020, ZERO and local advocates in Maryland helped pass a bill at the Maryland State House that will remove prostate cancer screening cost-sharing for men ages 40-75 in the state. The law went into effect in January 2021. Read editorials from legislators and patients in support of this effort.With prostate cancer being the most diagnosed male-only cancer in the state, this legislation has the power to catch the disease early and save lives and prevent any financial barriers to care. Rhode Island In April 2021, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening. Under this new benefit, men in Rhode Island will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening received from an in-network provider beginning on January 1, 2022. Illinois On June 10, 2022, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed into law HB 5318. It was introduced by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, a prostate cancer survivor and passed both chambers in late April. HB 5318 will save the lives of countless men in Illinois by eliminating cost sharing for prostate cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic testing, including imaging. Oregon In January 2024, Oregon Health Authority’s Health Evidence Review Commission passed a recommendation to eliminate cost-sharing for PSA screening for all men in Oregon. Because of this decision, men in Oregon will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs from PSA screening, regardless of their prostate cancer risk. Kentucky In April of 2024, Governor Beshear signed HB 52 into law. Introduced by Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon, HB 52 requires coverage of cancer screenings, including prostate cancer screenings, without any out-of-pocket costs for those at high risk. This removes an important barrier to early detection and saves lives in Kentucky. Tennessee In May 2024, Governor Lee signed into law HB 2954. Introduced by Representative G.A. Hardaway, ZERO and local advocates helped pass HB 2954, which provides coverage of prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs for high-risk patients, to save Tennessean lives through early detection. Delaware Governor John Carney signed HB 302 on October 28, 2024, making Delaware the eighth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain risk factors. Washington, D.C. In October of 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law B25-0229, legislation that eliminates out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screenings. Washington, D.C. has the highest per-capita fatality rate for prostate cancer in the country, according to American Cancer Society data from 2024, so removing barriers to screenings is of vital importance to those who live in our nation's capital.
State Prostate Cancer Policy Action Center Follow the link to see if your state currently has prostate cancer legislation in motion and take action! State Policy Action Center
Getting involved in my state's effort to remove cost-sharing from prostate cancer screening was such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I help make an impact in the lives of men, but I became even more connected and active in my local prostate cancer community! — Judy Berman, Caregiver
