MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Senate unanimously approved legislation this week aimed at improving early detection of breast cancer by eliminating out of pocket costs for certain follow up screenings.
House Bill 300 was sponsored in the House by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, and carried in the Senate by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham.
The bill would require state regulated health insurance plans to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging without copays or deductibles. The coverage would include follow up testing after an abnormal mammogram and additional imaging for women with dense breast tissue.
Supporters say cost can discourage patients from getting additional screenings after receiving notice that something abnormal was found.
“That screening that they need to get is the difference between life and death,” Coleman-Madison said.
She said she has known women who received letters recommending additional imaging but chose not to return for follow up tests.
“We found something that does not look normal. And I have had friends say, well, you know, I have gone every year … and they do not go,” she said.
Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, also spoke in support of the bill, citing personal experience with cancer.
“I have lost my wife to cancer. I have lost my sister to cancer,” Livingston said. “Anything we can do to prevent that and get early detection is very important. And it will make a difference in the lives.”
Coleman-Madison described the measure as a bipartisan effort focused on public health rather than politics.
“It is bipartisan. It is bipartisan. It is about keeping Alabamians healthy,” she said.
If signed into law, the new coverage requirements would take effect at the start of the next insurance plan year.
Follow Us