New Jersey Senate Bill S3530

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Lowers age at which certain insurers are required to provide coverage for mammograms.

Impact

The introduction of S3530 could have a significant impact on state health laws by expanding access to preventative breast cancer screenings for young women, which may lead to earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer. This change aligns with current medical guidelines suggesting that early screening can be beneficial for at-risk populations. The bill could also result in enhanced coverage across various health benefits plans, ensuring more women are protected against potential health risks associated with breast cancer at an earlier age.

Summary

Senate Bill S3530, introduced in January 2023, aims to improve women's health by lowering the age requirement for health insurers to provide coverage for mammograms from 40 to 35 years. Under this legislation, insurers will be mandated to cover one baseline mammogram exam for women at age 35 as well as annual mammograms for women 35 and older. Additionally, the bill requires coverage for younger women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, allowing them to receive mammograms as deemed medically necessary by their healthcare provider.

Contention

While there is general support for improving women's health through increased access to mammogram screenings, concerns may arise regarding the financial implications for insurance providers and the potential for increased healthcare costs. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could lead to higher premiums or result in insurers limiting coverage for other services to accommodate the new mandates. Advocacy groups, however, are likely to argue that the benefits of early detection far outweigh the costs, emphasizing the importance of health equity and access to necessary healthcare services for women.