A Scarborough legislator introduced a bill to require private insurance carriers to cover the cost of blood serum testing for PFAS on March 4. Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, introduced LD 582, “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances,” which was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.

“People deserve to know whether they’ve been exposed to forever chemicals and cost should never be a barrier against testing,” Brenner said. “One thing is abundantly clear — early detection saves lives. We owe it to individuals and families impacted by exposure to PFAS to help monitor their long-term health so treatments can be offered in a timely and effective manner if needed.”

This legislation would ensure that blood serum testing for PFAS is accessible to all Mainers. Blood serum tests cost between $450-$600. Many members of PFAS-affected communities are unable to afford the potentially life-saving testing. LD 582 would require all health plans offered in Maine that are renewed by or beginning on Jan. 1 to cover blood serum testing for PFAS.

Forever chemicals can lead to numerous health conditions such as kidney cancer, elevated cholesterol and reduced infant birthweight. There is currently no method to remove PFAS from the blood of affected individuals. Blood serum testing allows patients to identify and mitigate on-going exposure, and enables clinicians to identify related illnesses early.

LD 582 faces further action in committee.