An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Mammograms And Ultrasounds For Certain Women At Increased Risk For Breast Cancer.
If enacted, this bill is expected to empower women by ensuring they have access to essential screening procedures without financial barriers. The legislation seeks to improve early detection rates of breast cancer among high-risk populations, potentially leading to better health outcomes. By requiring insurers to provide coverage for these specific tests, the bill could help alleviate the economic burden on women who otherwise might defer such important preventative care due to costs.
House Bill 05214 aims to enhance healthcare coverage requirements for women at increased risk of breast cancer by mandating that health insurance policies cover mammograms and ultrasounds annually. The bill specifies the criteria for coverage, including women with either a personal or family history of breast cancer, a personal history of benign breast disease diagnosed via biopsy, or those who did not give birth before the age of thirty. This legislation targets a significant gap in preventative healthcare access for women who are statistically at a higher risk for breast cancer.
The primary points of debate surrounding HB 05214 include discussions about the financial implications for insurance providers and the potential for increased premiums resulting from mandated coverage. While the bill's supporters argue that the long-term benefits of early cancer detection could outweigh the costs, opponents raise concerns about insurance market stability. Additionally, there is an ongoing dialogue about whether the criteria for coverage adequately reflect all women who may need increased surveillance, prompting advocates for more comprehensive definitions.