New Jersey Assembly Bill A1697

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

Impact

If enacted, Assembly Bill A1697 would amend existing legislation concerning breast cancer screening guidelines in New Jersey. The bill modifies previous laws that dictate how health insurers handle coverage for mammograms and additional diagnostic testing, notably emphasizing that coverage must also extend to concurrent ultrasounds and advanced imaging techniques if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider. This change is anticipated to improve early detection rates and potentially save lives by ensuring that women at higher risk for breast cancer receive comprehensive screening.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1697 aims to enhance the screening and diagnostic testing for breast cancer by mandating healthcare professionals to concurrently order bi-lateral ultrasounds when prescribing mammograms for women with specific risk factors. Furthermore, this bill requires health insurers to cover these screenings, ensuring that women can access necessary diagnostic procedures without financial barriers. This aligns with the current measures in place for women's health and preventative care, which emphasize timely and appropriate cancer screenings based on individual risk profiles.

Contention

Despite the bill's positive implications for women's healthcare, discussions around A1697 may uncover points of contention. Some opponents may argue that mandating insurers to cover additional testing could increase costs for insurance companies, which could lead to higher premiums for all policyholders. Additionally, there may be concerns over the criteria used to determine which women qualify for these additional screenings, as there is a potential for disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or lack of provider awareness regarding new guidelines.