ZERO Prostate Cancer Applauds Virginia's Landmark Decision to Ensure Prostate Cancer Screening at No Cost

Virginia Becomes 9th State to Eliminate Cost-Sharing for Prostate Cancer Screenings, Ensuring Early Detection and Improved Outcomes

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO), the nation's leading prostate cancer organization and voice of the prostate cancer community, proudly commends the Commonwealth of Virginia for becoming the 9th state to offer prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing for insured men, marking a vital step in the fight against prostate cancer. Through House Bill (HB) 2097 and Senate Bill (SB) 1314, Virginia is enhancing accessibility and affordability for early detection, eliminating financial barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers among men, and early detection is crucial to saving lives. Cost-sharing requirements have historically discouraged men—especially those in underserved populations—from seeking timely screenings, leading to later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes. With Virginia having the highest prostate cancer incidence rate and the second-highest mortality rate for Black men in the nation, this legislation is both urgent and essential.

"The impact of SB 1314 is undeniable," said Virginia Senator Jeremy McPike who championed the bill. "It will help save and extend countless lives by ensuring that cost is never a barrier."

Senator McPike joined Delegate Terry Austin in pushing for passage of HB 2097 and SB 1314–garnering strong support from the Assembly, which unanimously supported both bills. The new legislation requires all health plans issued or renewed in Virginia on or after January 1, 2026, to cover prostate cancer screenings at no cost to patients, in accordance with the latest medical guidelines, highlighting Virginia's commitment to proactive healthcare.

"As a 19-year cancer survivor, I understand the impact of early detection firsthand," said Courtney Bugler, CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "Virginia's leadership sets a powerful precedent for other states to follow by prioritizing prevention, which will save more lives."

For nearly 30 years, ZERO Prostate Cancer has led the charge in advocating for policies that improve prostate cancer outcomes. Virginia joins a growing list of states—including New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oregon, Delaware, plus the city of Washington, D.C.—that have enacted similar legislation to remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening. "This momentum reflects a national movement toward building a future where prostate cancer is detected early, every patient receives unwavering support, and lifesaving care is within reach for all," said Bugler.

ABOUT ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, 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 nearly  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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Steph Johnson
Vice President, Communications
ZERO Prostate Cancer
[email protected]

SOURCE Zero Prostate Cancer