Relating To Insurance Coverage For Mammography.
This bill amends existing insurance regulations within the Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically Section 431:10A-116, which outlines the coverage for specific healthcare services. By establishing mandatory coverage for mammography, the bill is expected to increase access to vital breast cancer screenings, thereby potentially improving early detection rates among women in Hawaii. Proponents argue that this move could lead to better health outcomes and reduced mortality rates linked to late-stage breast cancer diagnoses.
SB272 is a legislative bill from Hawaii that aims to enhance the insurance coverage for mammography services. Specifically, it mandates that health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations provide coverage for low-dose mammography screenings for breast cancer on terms that must be at least as favorable as those for other radiological examinations. This change is particularly geared towards women aged 40 and older, who will be entitled to receive annual mammograms, and instances where younger women have a family history of breast cancer can also lead to covered screenings as per their physician's recommendation.
While SB272 has garnered support due to its focus on women’s health and preventative care, there could be opposition regarding the financial implications for insurance providers. Concerns may arise about the increased costs of insurance premiums resulting from expanded coverage mandates. Additionally, debates may emerge regarding the scope of mandated services vis-a-vis insurance provider flexibility and patient cost-sharing arrangements. Advocates for women's health assert that the benefits of comprehensive mammography coverage outweigh the costs, emphasizing the crucial role of early detection in combating breast cancer.