BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) and State Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester) are hailing the passage of legislation expanding access to breast cancer screenings and exams, saying it will help to save lives.
House Bill 4918, An Act relative to medically necessary breast screenings and exams for equity and early detection, requires all insurance plans covering screening mammograms to also cover diagnostic examinations for breast cancer, including digital breast tomosynthesis, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, without increasing patient cost-sharing. While the Affordable Care Act already mandates overage for preventive screening mammograms, patients who require additional follow-up screenings and testing are often forced to pay for these costly procedures out of pocket.
Reading’s legislative delegation noted that the changes in insurance coverage will apply to state employees, Medicaid enrollees, and individuals enrolled in private insurance plans, beginning on January 1, 2026. In addition to creating coverage parity for advanced screenings and diagnostics, House Bill 4918 also provides specific exemptions for Health Savings Account-qualified health insurance policies to maintain their status under federal guidelines.
According to the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC), an average of 39,597 newly diagnosed cancer cases per year were reported in Massachusetts from 2015-2019, with breast cancer being the most common type of cancer diagnosed among Massachusetts females during this time period. The MBCC noted that in 2021, the incidence rate for female breast cancer in Massachusetts was 140.3 per 100,000, which was higher than the national average of 134 per 100,000.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 7,150 new cases of female breast cancer in Massachusetts in 2024, and 730 deaths. According to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization, there was a 44% reduction in the breast cancer death rate in the United States between 1989 and 2022 due to improvements in early detection and treatment.
“Early detection is critical for ensuring effective treatment and recovery from cancer,” said Representative Jones. “Removing the financial barriers associated with follow-up breast cancer screenings will truly make a positive difference by expanding access to essential medical care in Massachusetts and helping to save lives.”
“This legislation addresses a critical gap in healthcare access for breast cancer diagnostics and treatment,” said Representative Haggerty. “Early detection is important in fighting breast cancer, but for too many Massachusetts residents, the cost of follow-up screenings has become a barrier to care. By eliminating these financial obstacles, we’re ensuring that potential life-saving care is accessible to all residents in our Commonwealth.”
“I was pleased to support passage of this important healthcare legislation,” said Senator Lewis. “It will ensure that all women are able to access all medically necessary and appropriate breast cancer screenings, which will enable early detection and save lives.”
