Relating to insurance coverage for breast cancer screening
Impact
The introduction of HB 4617 represents a significant change in the state's healthcare insurance landscape. By establishing clear directives for insurance providers, the bill ensures better access to breast cancer screening for the population of West Virginia. This could potentially lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, improving treatment outcomes while also addressing healthcare equity by ensuring all insured women have access to necessary screening services regardless of their previous health histories.
Summary
House Bill 4617 aims to enhance insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings in West Virginia. This legislation mandates that insurance policies provide coverage for crucial preventative services, including a baseline mammogram for women aged 30-40 and annual mammograms for women aged 40 and above. It additionally addresses the requirements for comprehensive ultrasound screenings when certain risk factors are present, thus expanding access to essential diagnostic procedures for women at increased risk of breast cancer.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 4617 appears supportive, particularly among health advocates and organizations focused on women's health. Supporters express optimism that this legislation will lead to improved health outcomes and resources dedicated to breast cancer awareness and prevention. Nonetheless, there may be concerns from insurance companies regarding the increased costs associated with expanded coverage, which could lead to opposition in certain quarters as this bill progresses through legislative discussions.
Contention
While HB 4617 is largely viewed positively, some contention may arise from discussions about the financial implications of mandating these changes for insurance companies. There may also be differing opinions on how best to structure the coverage inclusions, including what constitutes 'medically necessary' procedures. Additionally, debate could focus on ensuring comprehensive communication to patients about their breast density and associated risks, which the bill mandates through mammography reports, potentially impacting how informational resources are communicated in practice.
Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.
Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.
Requires health care professional to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.
Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bilateral ultrasounds.