Pennsylvania Senate Advances Bill for No-Cost Diagnostic Breast Imaging
Table of Contents
- Pennsylvania Senate Advances Bill for No-Cost Diagnostic Breast Imaging
- Senate Bill 88: Expanding Access to Diagnostic Screenings
- the Importance of Early Detection
- impact on Pennsylvanians
- Evergreen Insights: Breast Cancer Screening in Context
- Frequently Asked Questions About no-Cost Breast Cancer Diagnostic Imaging
- what is Senate Bill 88 and what does it aim to achieve?
- Who will benefit from the no-cost diagnostic breast imaging provided by Senate Bill 88?
- How does senate Bill 88 build upon existing legislation related to breast cancer screenings?
- What organizations support Senate Bill 88 and its goal of no-cost breast cancer diagnostic imaging?
- Why is no-cost access to diagnostic breast imaging so crucial for Pennsylvanians?
- When was Senate Bill 88 introduced and what are the next steps in the legislative process?
- How does Senate Bill 88 align with federal guidance on breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging?
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has unanimously approved Senate Bill 88, which aims to broaden the state’s breast cancer screening law to include no-cost diagnostic breast imaging for all patients, irrespective of their risk level [[1]]. This legislative action builds upon Act 1 of 2023, a law that requires insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women without cost-sharing [[2]].
Senate Bill 88: Expanding Access to Diagnostic Screenings
Introduced on June 6, 2025, Senate Bill 88 seeks to eliminate cost-sharing for breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging, ensuring that health insurance carriers in Pennsylvania fully cover thes services [[3]]. According to Senator lisa Baker (R-20), the bill addresses a gap in coverage by allowing individuals who discover an abnormality during a supplemental screening to receive follow-up diagnostic screenings at no cost.
Did You Know? Pennsylvania was the first state to eliminate cost-sharing for high-risk individuals receiving supplemental breast cancer screenings.
While Act 1 of 2023 made Pennsylvania a leader in preventive screenings, the state now stands alone as the only one among the states that followed its example that does not mandate no-cost coverage for diagnostic breast imaging.
the Importance of Early Detection
Senator Baker emphasized that early detection saves lives and that financial constraints should not impede access to necessary diagnostic tools. Senate Bill 88 aims to rectify this disparity by extending coverage to both high-risk and average-risk individuals, aligning state law with federal guidance from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Pro Tip: Regular self-exams and adherence to recommended screening schedules are crucial for early breast cancer detection.
The bill has garnered support from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society and faces no opposition from insurers. It is indeed now under consideration by the full Senate.
impact on Pennsylvanians
If enacted, Senate Bill 88 would provide thousands of pennsylvanians with access to life-saving early detection tools without the burden of cost-sharing. This expansion of coverage aims to remove financial barriers and promote proactive healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their risk level.
The following table summarizes the key aspects of the legislative changes:
| Legislation | Coverage | Cost-sharing | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Act 1 of 2023 | Preventive Breast and Ovarian Cancer Screenings | No Cost | High-Risk |
| Senate Bill 88 | Diagnostic Breast Imaging | No Cost | All Patients |
Next Steps for Senate Bill 88
Following its approval by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Senate Bill 88 will now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration and a vote. If passed by the Senate, the bill will then move to the House of Representatives for their review and potential approval.
What impact do you think this bill will have on breast cancer detection rates in Pennsylvania? How can individuals stay informed about changes in healthcare legislation?
Evergreen Insights: Breast Cancer Screening in Context
breast cancer is a meaningful health concern for women worldwide.According to the World Health institution, breast cancer is the moast common cancer among women, with over 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year [[WHO Breast Cancer Fact Sheet]]. Early detection through regular screening is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
In the United States,the American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 to 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women aged 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year, and women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue yearly screening [[American Cancer Society Breast cancer Screening Guidelines]].
Frequently Asked Questions About no-Cost Breast Cancer Diagnostic Imaging
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what is Senate Bill 88 and what does it aim to achieve?
Senate Bill 88 is a Pennsylvania bill that seeks to expand the state’s breast cancer screening law to include no-cost diagnostic breast imaging for all patients, regardless of their risk level.
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Who will benefit from the no-cost diagnostic breast imaging provided by Senate Bill 88?
All patients in Pennsylvania, both high-risk and average-risk individuals, will benefit from the no-cost diagnostic breast imaging if Senate Bill 88 is enacted.
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Senate Bill 88 builds upon Act 1 of 2023, which requires insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women without cost-sharing. Senate Bill 88 expands this coverage to include diagnostic imaging for all patients.
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What organizations support Senate Bill 88 and its goal of no-cost breast cancer diagnostic imaging?
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society support Senate Bill 88.
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Why is no-cost access to diagnostic breast imaging so crucial for Pennsylvanians?
no-cost access to diagnostic breast imaging removes financial barriers, promoting early detection and possibly saving lives by ensuring that individuals can access necessary diagnostic tools without financial hardship.
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When was Senate Bill 88 introduced and what are the next steps in the legislative process?
Senate Bill 88 was introduced on June 6, 2025. It has been approved by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and will now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.
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How does Senate Bill 88 align with federal guidance on breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging?
Senate Bill 88 aligns state law with federal guidance from the Health Resources and Services Administration, expanding access to life-saving early detection tools without cost-sharing for thousands of Pennsylvanians.
Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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