An Act Concerning Charter Oak Health Plan Coverage Of Mammographic Examinations.
The passage of SB00811 is expected to create significant improvements in early detection of breast cancer among women in the state. By expanding coverage to include a second mammogram when a first mammogram shows concerning signs, the bill aims to reduce the instances of undiagnosed breast cancer among women with dense breast tissue, which has been a recognized risk factor. This law would assist women in taking preventive measures and maintaining their health, potentially saving lives through timely intervention and treatment.
SB00811, also known as the Act Concerning Charter Oak Health Plan Coverage of Mammographic Examinations, aims to ensure women's health insurance policies include comprehensive benefits for breast cancer screenings. The bill specifies that an individual health insurance policy must cover a baseline mammogram for women aged 35 to 39 years and annual mammograms for women aged 40 years and older. Furthermore, it mandates that policies provide additional benefits for comprehensive ultrasound screenings if a mammogram indicates heterogeneous or dense breast tissue or if a woman is at increased risk for breast cancer, allowing for proactive health management.
During discussions surrounding SB00811, there were notable points of contention regarding the extent of coverage mandated by the bill. While supporters, including many health advocacy groups, championed the bill for increasing necessary coverage and supporting women's health initiatives, some opponents raised concerns over the implication of increased insurance costs. They argued that mandating additional coverage could lead to higher premiums for consumers, which would affect affordability in the health insurance market. Balancing the need for comprehensive care while ensuring that health insurance remains affordable was a significant concern raised throughout the deliberations.