MADISON – Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) testified today alongside legislative colleagues, advocates, and breast cancer survivors during a public hearing of the Senate Health Committee on Senate Bill 264. The legislation, known as Gail’s Law in honor of the late Gail Zeamer, seeks to close the insurance gap for supplemental breast cancer screenings in Wisconsin. The bill has received strong bipartisan support.
“Tragically, breast cancer is a disease that touches nearly everyone—whether through a family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague,” Nedweski said. “The physical and emotional toll of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is immense. For many, that burden is compounded by the financial strain of medical costs. Hearing the powerful testimony of survivors and advocates today reinforces how urgently we need to get Gail’s Law enacted to ensure women can access the care they need without the added worry of unaffordable costs.”
Studies show that roughly 50% of women have dense breast tissue, and they are more four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer due to the fact that standard mammograms often fail to detect tumors on these patients. These women often require supplemental screenings which are not required to be covered by insurance and can carry an out-of-pocket cost upwards of $1000. The financial barrier often deters women from seeking the follow up procedures.
“As a woman who has received that postcard in the mail telling me that I am in need of supplemental screening, I know what it is like to have to weigh the financial cost of a supplemental screening and have to pay the out-of-pocket rate just to get some reassurance,” Nedweski added. “We know that early detection not only saves lives, but it saves patients and their families a substantial amount of money compared to late-stage treatment. States that have passed similar laws have seen minimal increases in insurance costs—only $.84 per member per year. Senate Bill 264 would help eliminate the financial barrier that so many women face when deciding to seek supplemental screenings.”
If passed, Wisconsin would join over 30 other states who have passed similar diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer screening laws. You can read more about Gail Zeamer’s story here.
