Madison, Wis. — Today, Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara and Rep. Nate Gustafson introduced legislation to eliminate patient cost-sharing for breast imaging services. This critical women’s health initiative will increase access to life-saving cancer screenings for those who need it.
Under current state law, health insurance policies are required to provide two mammographic screenings for women aged 45-49 under certain criteria and one annual screening to women over 50 at no out-of-pocket costs to the patient. However, for the 40% of women with dense breast tissue, where a mammogram alone may not be enough, the average out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic or supplemental breast screenings can range from $234 to $1,021 according to Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. This cost can be a barrier for the women who need additional screening or further diagnostic services.
To address the barrier to preventative care, the bill requires health insurance policies to provide coverage, with no patient cost-sharing, for supplemental breast screening examinations for an individual who is at increased risk of breast cancer and diagnostic breast examinations for women requiring follow-up imaging due to an abnormal mammogram result.
“I’m proud to lead the fight for this critical women’s health initiative because it’s time to remove the hurdles preventing so many women from getting the life-saving cancer screenings they need,” said Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “Early detection leads to better outcomes, and it reduces costs in the long run. This is an opportunity to deliver a big win for those who need it.”
“This bill is a positive step towards improving breast cancer detection and increasing access to potentially life-saving screening tests for women with dense breast tissue. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand how critical early screening is and I will fight to ensure Wisconsinites get healthcare access they deserve,” said Rep. Gustafson.
This legislation will build on the notification required in 2017 WI Act 201 and ensure that women, regardless of their breast cancer risk and socio-economic background not only receive the information necessary for them to advocate for their own health, but also access to lifesaving screenings.
