CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Legislators are debating whether health insurance providers should pay for testing of potential bone marrow donors.

If the bill is approved, New Hampshire would become the fifth state to mandate test coverage.

Advocates say testing can cost as much as $150, which can deter some people from signing up to join the pool of potential donors.

But insurance industry representatives believe the proposal goes to far in forcing insurers to pay for the tests.

Others said public awareness, not insurance companies, are responsible for the shortage of bone marrow donors. Patricia Lang, of the Rhode Island Blood Center, said the number of recruited donors did not dramatically increase after her state passed the same law in 1998.

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Information from: The Telegraph, http://www.nashuatelegraph.com

AP-ES-01-20-06 1640EST