On March 20, 2024, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced H.R. 7949, the 'Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act', in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to expand insurance coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings nationwide. Congressman Lawler highlighted the importance of accessible screenings for early detection and saving lives, noting current disparities in coverage.
The bill mandates that all insurance plans must cover medically necessary supplemental breast cancer screenings, specifically including ultrasounds and MRIs. This expanded coverage is intended for women with dense breast tissue or other risk factors that necessitate additional diagnostic tools beyond traditional mammograms, ensuring these critical screenings are financially accessible when deemed medically necessary by a physician.
This federal initiative builds upon existing state-level efforts, such as New York's 2017 law, which already requires insurance coverage for supplemental screenings. By making advanced screenings more widely available, the 'Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act' seeks to improve early breast cancer detection rates across the country, potentially leading to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality.
