Includes second degree relatives in certain criteria for breast cancer screenings to be covered under insurance plans

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic7
• Republican2

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Christopher Ryan says this is needed

Current law, enacted in 1988 and 1989, stipulates that insurance poli- cies covering hospital, surgical, and medical care must cover mammogra- phy examinations to detect breast cancer in policyholders over a certain age, under certain medical conditions, and with a family history of breast cancer. Mammography screening is recognized as the most effective means of detecting breast cancer in its early stages, when prospects for treatment and recovery are greatest. Chapter 692 of the Laws of 1988 and Chapter 417 of the Laws of 1989 were important first steps in ensur- ing the regular, healthy screening of residents and requiring policy coverage of critical preventative care. However, medical professionals have continued to call for increased regular screening for policyholders under age fifty and for those with greater risks, such as a family history of breast cancer. Furthermore, limiting mammography options to the first degree relative prevents access to some policyholders; for example, if a parent of such policyholder dies prior to receiving a breast cancer screening in a family with a known history of breast cancer. In this situation, if such policyholder had a second degree relative with breast cancer, they may not be able to utilize care services simply by the happenstance of an untimely death. Greater access to this essential early detection test would provide policyholders with better health outcomes. This bill would expand eligibility for breast cancer screening to individuals with a second degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.