Relating To Insurance Coverage For Mammography.
If enacted, SB272 will amend existing Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically section 431:10A-116. This amendment will require that all policies delivered or issued in Hawaii that cover health services must include provisions for annual mammograms for women aged 40 and over, and for women of any age with a personal or family history of breast cancer under the recommendation of a physician. This legislative move aims to ensure equitable access to crucial breast health services and may also set a precedent for other states to enhance their healthcare policies regarding women's health.
Senate Bill 272, introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, focuses on insurance coverage for mammography services. The bill mandates that health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations provide coverage for mammography on terms at least as favorable as those applied to other radiological examinations. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of early detection of breast cancer, particularly for women who are at increased risk due to age or family history.
The potential contention surrounding SB272 may arise from the insurance industry’s response to the additional financial obligations that the coverage mandate imposes. While proponents argue that increasing access to mammography will improve health outcomes and potentially save lives through early detection, opponents may express concerns over rising insurance costs and premiums. Balancing the needs of patient care with the financial implications for insurers and healthcare providers is likely to be a critical discussion point as the bill progresses through legislative hearings.