Gov. Josh Shapiro has received legislation passed overwhelmingly by state lawmakers that will require insurance policies to cover all medically necessary diagnostic breast exams.

Supporters say requiring the coverage will significantly lower patient costs. Senate Bill 88 passed the Senate unanimously while passing the House 196-7, with Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, voting in favor.

Senate Bill 88 mirrors legislation sponsored by Rep. Gina Curry, D-Upper Darby, that passed the state House earlier this year. Senate Bill 88 amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to require all insurance plans operating in Pennsylvania to cover all diagnostic breast exams, including diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs, after a standard screening mammogram shows an abnormality.

Many people have access to free annual breast cancer screening mammograms through their health insurance. When an abnormality is found on a screening mammogram, many patients are sent for more advanced imaging, including ultrasounds and breast MRIs. Under current law, these more advanced tests often require the patient to cover a portion of the cost out of pocket because their insurance policies don’t cover the total cost. Past estimates indicate the legislation will extend coverage to about 3 million Pennsylvanians.

“Facing the possibility of breast cancer after an abnormal mammogram is already emotionally stressful,” Curry said. “Adding financial burden leads to overwhelming consequences. Some individuals can’t readily shoulder the costs of added tests and either delay them until they can or forego them completely. We shouldn’t be asking people to delay the start of potentially life-saving treatments because the cost of a final diagnosis is too high.”

A 2019 study completed by the Susan G. Komen Foundation found that out-of-pocket costs for follow-up tests can range from $234 to $1,100. For some, these costs are prohibitive and lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

“I’m proud to see this bill on its way to the governor’s desk,” Curry said. “I’ve dedicated significant time and effort to making this legislation possible and easing the burden on people confronting a breast cancer diagnosis. This will allow more patients to focus on healing rather than the financial strain of essential diagnostic tests.”

Similar legislation has been introduced and passed by the state Senate in 2023, but didn’t make it through the state House. Sen. Frank Farry, R-Langhorne, signed on to sponsor the legislation this year, prompted in part by his wife’s battle with breast cancer.

“We’re now ensuring that every method of early breast cancer detection is accessible – so that no woman is forced to delay critical follow-up care due to financial barriers,” he said. “This cause is deeply personal to me, as my wife has been bravely fighting breast cancer for the past year and a half. 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.”