Alabama Bill Eliminates Out-of-Pocket Costs for Breast Cancer Screenings, Heads to Governor

On February 27, 2026, the Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 24 (HB24) by a vote of 103-0. The bill, which seeks to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer screenings, now advances to Governor Kay Ivey's desk for her signature. This legislation aims to ensure that women in Alabama do not face financial barriers, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, when needing further screenings after an abnormal initial preventative mammogram.
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Sponsored by Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa), HB24 is identical to Senate Bill 27 (SB27), which was sponsored by Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and passed the Senate on February 8, 2026. Current Alabama law mandates insurance coverage for initial preventative breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs. However, it does not extend this coverage to follow-up diagnostic tests like diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, or biopsies, which can cost thousands of dollars and often deter women from seeking necessary care.
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Representative Paul Fine (R-Fairhope) highlighted the bill's importance on the House floor, stating that 'these expenses could discourage women from pursuing critical diagnostic procedures'. Both the Alabama Society of Clinical Oncology and legislative supporters emphasize that expanding this coverage is crucial for early detection and improving patient outcomes. If signed by Governor Ivey, HB24 will become law, broadening access to essential breast cancer diagnostic services across the state.