DENVER -- Monday was a political and personal victory at the Colorado state Capitol for a breast cancer survivor.

Twenty years ago, Rep. Dianne Primavera used a then experimental drug to win her battle with breast cancer. Three oncologists told her she wouldn't live for another five years without the drug.

The drug was tamoxifen, which is now routinely given to patients.

Monday, a house committee gave approval to a law requiring insurance companies to continue basic health coverage for patients who are taking experimental drugs.

Primavera said some patients shy away from treatments because they fear they will end up paying the costs for things like X-rays and hospital visits.

About half the states in the country have similar laws, but Colorado's bill would expand that mandatory coverage to other experimental drugs besides those used for cancer.

Primavera endorsed the bill with a dramatic statement.

"It's important because I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for a clinical trial," she said.