SB19 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve Livingston
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Health care insurance; to eliminate cost-sharing for screening of men who are at high risk for prostate cancer
Summary: SB19 would require Alabama health plans to cover prostate cancer screening with no out-of-pocket costs for men over 50 and for high-risk men (African American men and men with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer).
What This Bill Does
It expands the definition of who is at high risk for prostate cancer and requires screening (PSA test and digital rectal exam) to be covered without deductibles, copays, or other cost sharing for those high-risk or older men. It sets cost-sharing exemptions specifically for men over 50 and for high-risk men over 40, and defines key terms to apply the rules consistently. It also states that private insurers may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to this chapter and clarifies that the bill does not expand provider networks. The changes become effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Men at high risk for prostate cancer (African American men and men with a father, brother, or son who has or had prostate cancer, or who carry a related genetic risk) and men over 50, who would receive PSA testing and digital rectal exams without out-of-pocket costs.
Health insurance plans, insurers, and private third-party payors in Alabama, which must provide the required free screening coverage and may not reduce or terminate coverage because of this law.

Key Provisions
Amends Sections 27-58-1 and 27-58-4 to add cost-sharing definitions, high-risk groups, and screening requirements.
Defines high risk as African American men or men with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer and expands screening eligibility accordingly.
Requires no cost-sharing for screening for men over 50 and for high-risk men over 40 (PSA test and digital rectal exam).
Private third-party payors may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to this chapter; does not expand provider designations.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Insurance