2025 State Legislative Sessions Review
As most states have wrapped up their legislative sessions, this is the perfect time to reflect on the Center for Public Policy’s (CPP) incredible legislative work this year. While it will be difficult to encapsulate everything that has happened this year, we are delighted to share a snapshot of how the CPP has helped to expand access to care in 2025.
Our policy and advocacy work is anchored to the 2025-2026 Public Policy & Advocacy Priorities, which are areas where Komen’s voice can provide the greatest potential for achieving our mission – to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. In 2025, 33 states introduced 40 Komen-led bills on issues including affordable access to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, coverage of genetic testing and evidence-based screening, increased eligibility and funding for the state’s breast and cervical cancer early detection program and ensuring access to treatments for metastatic cancer patients.
22 states introduced legislation that would eliminate patient cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, a critical step in the early detection of breast cancer. While most insurers cover annual screening mammography at no cost, individuals at a higher risk of breast cancer or those requiring follow-up imaging due to an abnormal mammogram result are faced with hundreds to thousands of dollars in cost sharing. This legislation will ensure patients are not forced to forego or delay vital cancer screenings, when the cancer is more deadly and much more costly to treat. We are pleased to share that, to date, five of these bills have successfully passed in 2026. Bringing us to 30 states across the country that have laws on the books addressing this issue.
Nine states introduced legislation to eliminate cost sharing for recommended genetic testing for inherited gene mutations and evidence-based screenings, ensuring individuals have access to critical information regarding their lifetime cancer risk and recommended early detection and cancer surveillance. Identification of inherited cancer risk can help guide decisions regarding recommended screenings for the early detection of cancer, personalized cancer treatments and risk-reducing medical treatments. We are pleased to share that, to date, two of these bills have successfully passed.
Six states introduced legislation to prohibit step therapy protocols for metastatic cancer patients. This legislation ensures metastatic cancer patients are not forced to first try a health plan preferred drug and have that drug fail them prior to receiving coverage for their originally prescribed drug. Ensuring patients are receiving consistent and effective treatments is even greater in situations when treating patients with potentially life-ending diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, where any delays or deviations could be deadly. We are pleased to share that, to date, two bills have successfully passed.
Three states introduced legislation to maintain or increase funding for the state’s breast and cervical cancer early detection (BCCP) program. The state’s BCCP programs provide low-income, uninsured and underinsured women access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Without access to early detection programs, many people who are uninsured are forced to delay or forego screenings, which could lead to late-stage breast cancer diagnoses. This delay can mean that a person may not seek care until the cancer has spread beyond the breast, making it up to five times more expensive and harder to treat.
In addition to our Komen-led legislation, CPP worked with coalition partners in 32 states in efforts to support increased access to cancer treatments, protecting Medicaid coverage, reducing barriers to medically recommended services, and protecting patients from long-term financial harm due to past-due medical bills.
We are committed to continuing our work to advance the 2025-2026 Public Policy & Advocacy Priorities in the 2026 legislative sessions. You can learn more about the status of your state’s bills on our Advocacy in Action page. We hope you will support us in our work by signing up to become an Advocacy Insider so you can take action in your state.
