Ask your State Senator to support HB4918, An Act relative to medically necessary breast screenings and exams for equity and early detection, to ensure that patients don’t delay or forgo follow-up breast exams due to the financial barrier of out-of-pocket costs.
You can call or email your State Senator using the form on the right side of this page.
WHAT THIS BILL DOES
- HB4918 ensures that most health plans cover follow-up diagnostic breast imaging, including diagnostic mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, and MRI, with no patient out-of-pocket costs.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- From an early detection perspective, follow-up tests are sometimes necessary to rule out breast cancer or confirm the need for a biopsy.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among patients in Massachusetts, and early diagnosis reduces the risk of death from breast cancer and increases treatment options for patients.
- Many underserved and at-risk people skip necessary follow-up exams due to out-of-pocket costs.
- Similar legislation has passed in 23 states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut.