Iowa Senate Bill SSB1221

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/23
• Refer: 5/1/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to state departments and agencies following state government realignment from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and the technology reinvestment fund, and providing for related matters.(See SF 577.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB1221 will significantly impact health insurance protocols in Iowa by ensuring that several types of breast examinations are included under third-party payment plans that are delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2024. This coverage applies to various types of health insurance and guarantees that women receive necessary screenings without direct financial burdens, thus removing barriers to healthcare access for breast cancer evaluation and prevention.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1221 (SSB1221) focuses on enhancing insurance coverage for supplemental and diagnostic breast examinations. The bill mandates that health insurance providers cover these examinations without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on the covered individual. Specifically, it delineates the definitions of various types of breast examinations, including supplemental breast examinations and diagnostic examinations, ensuring that comprehensive care is available for individuals screening for breast cancer.

Contention

While the bill is directed toward improving healthcare access, it has the potential to raise discussions regarding insurance company profitability and regulatory compliance. Some stakeholders may argue about the implications of mandated coverage on the overall health insurance market, particularly concerning how providers balance this requirement against the costs associated with extensive diagnostic examinations. However, proponents believe that ensuring such coverage is necessary to promote health equity and improve outcomes for breast cancer treatment.