WOMEN AT HIGH RISK FOR BREAST CANCER TO BENEFIT FROM BILL ELIMINATING OUT-OF-POCKET MRI COSTS
Senator Bob Mensch introduces Senate Bill 1225 to ensure no-cost access to MRI, ultrasound for high-risk women
PENNSYLVANIA – Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) today introduced Senate Bill 1225, legislation that eliminates out-of-pocket costs of breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women at high-risk for breast cancer. High-risk conditions covered by the bill include:
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Family history of breast cancer
- Genetic predisposition
- Dense breast tissue
- Prior radiation therapy
When SB1225 passes, women insured under Pennsylvania law who are considered at high-risk for breast cancer will no longer have to pay co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance for breast MRIs or ultrasounds. Senator Mensch sponsored previous PBCC-supported legislation, Act 52 of 2020, which, for the first time, required insurers to cover breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. Senate Bill 1225 is step two, removing a cost requirement for those screenings.
“Cost should not be a barrier for a woman at high-risk to get the breast MRI or ultrasound that could save her life. So far, 25 of our Pennsylvania senators have shown that they agree by co-sponsoring Senator Mensch’s SB1225, and we thank them for their support,” said PA Breast Cancer Coalition President Pat Halpin-Murphy. “There are high-risk women living with breast cancer right now in our state, and they don’t know it, because they can’t afford the MRI that will find it. Senate Bill 1225 will change that. Let’s take action and save lives!”
According to a study published in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, breast MRI has proven more than two times as effective at detecting breast cancer than even 3D mammograms in many women with high-risk factors. The American College of Radiology recommends supplementing annual mammograms with yearly breast MRI for women at high-risk.
“Women at high-risk for breast cancer need access to MRIs. Senate bill 1225 will give them that needed access at no cost,” said chief bill sponsor Senator Bob Mensch (R-24). “I am proud to once again partner with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition on legislation that will affect thousands of lives across the Commonwealth.”
To read Senate Bill 1225, visit pbcc.me/sb1225.
About the PA Breast Cancer Coalition
The PA Breast Cancer Coalition, a 501(c)3 organization, represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants. The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure now…so our daughters don’t have to. For more information, please call 800-377-8828 or visit www.PABreastCancer.org.