Expanding Act 1: No-cost diagnostic breast imaging bill passes PA legislature with bipartisan support
Senate Bill 88 passes both House and Senate, heads to Governor’s desk
Harrisburg, PA- In a powerful display of bipartisan cooperation, the Pennsylvania legislature today passed Senate Bill 88 for no-cost diagnostic breast imaging. The legislation eliminates all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs and ultrasounds for individuals insured under Pennsylvania law. Senate Bill 88 was introduced by PA Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and PA Sen. President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) to expand on the success and comprehensive coverage of Act 1 of 2023, a first-in-the-nation bill signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in May 2023 for no-cost supplemental breast cancer screenings and genetic testing. A House companion bill, HB 433, was introduced by PA Rep. Gina H. Curry (D-164).
“With the passage of SB 88 in the House, we are one step closer to finishing what we started by making sure every woman has access to the full range of breast imaging, including exams, without cost standing in the way. Together, we broke down barriers and brought hope to thousands of women through Act 1 of 2023. 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. “With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, we have all been touched by this deadly disease, but with Act 1 of 2023 and SB 88 we can make early detection possible for all and save lives.”
In Pennsylvania alone, thousands of individuals each year face the burden of bills from additional diagnostic testing after a routine mammogram. Many report postponing care due to high out-of-pocket costs — a delay that can mean the difference between early treatment and late-stage cancer.
“Today is an unbelievable milestone in our fight against breast cancer in Pennsylvania,” Farry said. “My wife’s journey made it clear that no patient should have to delay critical diagnostic imaging because of financial constraints. Act 1 of 2023 was groundbreaking, but this law ensures we complete that work — so that from screening through diagnosis, Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need when they need it. Thank you to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition for their unwavering advocacy and support throughout the legislative process.”
“Today’s victory belongs not only to our legislators, but also to patients across Pennsylvania who will now have access to the early detection of breast cancer at no cost,” said PA Breast Cancer Coalition President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy. “Senate Bill 88 strengthens the coverage provided by Act 1 and takes our state a bold step forward where income does not determine survival of breast cancer. Thank you to Senator Ward, Senator Farry, Representative Gina Curry, House Speaker Joanna McClinton and to every one of our state lawmakers for recognizing the lifesaving importance of this bill.”
Senate Bill 88 now goes to Governor Shapiro’s desk for signature.
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.
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