The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has unanimously approved Senate Bill 88, aiming to expand Pennsylvania’s law on no-cost breast cancer screenings. The bill seeks to include diagnostic screenings at no cost for individuals who detect abnormalities during supplemental screenings.
Senator Chris Gebhard highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare measures like genetic testing and breast MRIs for early cancer detection and treatment. “Act 1 of 2023 was historic legislation, and this bill aims to build on that success,” said Gebhard.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Frank Farry and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, will ensure patients have access to no-cost diagnostic imaging. “Act 1 of 2023 was a landmark step forward… But we know that screening is just one part of early detection,” said Ward. She emphasized the need for comprehensive access to breast imaging without financial barriers.
Senator Farry expressed personal commitment to the cause, citing his wife’s battle with breast cancer as motivation. “This legislation builds on the historic progress we made with Act 1 of 2023,” he stated.
Pennsylvania led the nation in eliminating cost-sharing for high-risk individuals undergoing supplemental screening procedures like MRIs and ultrasounds. However, it remains the only state among those that adopted similar laws without including diagnostic coverage.
Senate Bill 88 aims to align state law with federal guidance from the Health Resources and Services Administration, potentially expanding access to early detection methods without cost-sharing. The bill applies not only to high-risk individuals but also to those with an average risk of breast cancer diagnosis.
In addition to support from organizations such as the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society, insurers have not opposed Senate Bill 88. The bill now proceeds to the full Senate for consideration.
Contacts:
Jordan Grant (Sen. Gebhard): 717-787-5708
Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Ward): 412-334-4856
Nicole McGerry (Sen. Farry): 215-990-4949
