Expanding Act 1: Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Advances Bill to Provide No-Cost Diagnostic Breast Imaging
Senate Bill 88 eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast exams including MRI, mammograms and ultrasounds
PENNSYLVANIA – New legislation introduced by PA Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and PA Sen. President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) to provide no-cost diagnostic breast imaging now heads to the Senate floor for a vote. Today, the PA Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, with leadership from PA Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48), approved Senate Bill 88, which expands upon historic breast cancer supplemental screening coverage implemented by Act 1 of 2023. The new bill eliminates all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI and ultrasounds for individuals insured under Pennsylvania law.
“Act 1 of 2023 was a landmark step forward – we broke down barriers and brought hope to thousands of women by making supplemental breast cancer screening and testing available at no cost. But we know that screening is just one part of early detection, and far too many patients are still being hit with costs for the diagnostic imaging they need next,” said Ward, prime sponsor of Act 1. “It’s time to finish what we started and make sure every woman has access to the full range of breast imaging, including diagnostic exams, without cost standing in the way.”
Senate Bill 88 provides no-cost coverage of diagnostic breast imaging for Pennsylvanians with state-regulated insurance policies. Diagnostic imaging is used to determine whether an abnormality is cancerous, often after an initial screening or when symptoms are present. Diagnostic imaging covered by SB88 includes:
- Mammograms
- Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Breast ultrasound
“This legislation builds on the historic progress we made with Act 1 of 2023. We’re now ensuring that every method of early breast cancer detection is accessible—so that no woman has to delay critical follow-up care due to financial barriers. I’m proud to champion this legislation alongside Sen. Ward, my colleagues, and dedicated advocates to ensure more women get the care they need—because early detection saves lives. This cause is deeply personal to me, as my wife has been bravely fighting breast cancer for the past year and a half.”
Diagnostic imaging is critical in the early-stage diagnosis of breast cancer, often before physical symptoms appear or spread.
“SB 88 expands the impact of Act 1, setting an even higher standard for breast imaging protections and reaffirming Pennsylvania’s national leadership,” said PBCC President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy. “This critical legislation guarantees that patients have no-cost access to necessary diagnostic tools, like MRI, ultrasounds, and mammograms, that can mean the difference between early detection and a delayed diagnosis. We are deeply grateful to Senators Farry and Ward for introducing this legislation, a powerful step forward for patients and families. In the fight against breast cancer, timely access to care isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.”
Senate Bill 88, which currently has 40 co-sponsors, now goes to the PA Senate for a full vote.