Susan G. Komen® Applauds Bill Introduction, Urges Quick Passage
TRENTON – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization commends Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-Paramus), Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), Senator Renee C. Burgess (D-Essex) and Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider (D-Bergen) for introducing legislation to ensure equitable access to required diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, by eliminating the financial barriers patients face in accessing needed breast cancer screening.
The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, often force individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.
“Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of New Jerseyans are forced to make that decision every year,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “This bill will remove the financial barrier so that individuals can get the medically necessary breast imaging they need without having to endure financial burdens. This is a pivotal step toward reducing overall health care costs by enabling earlier detection, more timely treatment and better outcomes.”
Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to complete their early detection process. S1275 and A3128, introduced by Sen. Greenstein and Asm. Swain, eliminates the patient’s out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds.
“Early detection is the best way for women to fight against breast cancer, but they all too often skip their regular screenings due to the out-of-pocket costs,” said Sen. Greenstein. “No woman should have to choose between their health and keeping a roof over their heads or food on the table for their families. This legislation will ensure that an individual’s financial situation does not prevent them from receiving timely, potentially life-saving care.”
“Despite a decline in breast cancer mortality, New Jersey continues to see the highest diagnosis rates in the nation. The bill would require health insurance carriers including insurance companies, health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and the State and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing,” said Sen. Gopal. “Understanding the need for early detection and targeted interventions, this legislation addresses both health care access and insurance benefit reforms to ensure that our residents are not burdened with out-of-pocket expenses for life-saving examinations.”
“Breast cancer is personal, and no woman should delay critical follow-up care because of cost. I was proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1275 to ensure diagnostic and supplemental breast exams are covered without cost-sharing,” said Sen. Burgess. “Early detection saves lives, and this bill removes barriers so women can get the care they need when it matters most.”
“I am proud to be a third prime sponsor of A3128 and to work alongside my colleagues to advance this important legislation. By eliminating cost barriers for critical diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, we are empowering women to prioritize their health and detect serious conditions early,” said Asm. Haider. “I look forward to moving this bill forward and delivering meaningful improvements to women’s healthcare across New Jersey.”
A Komen-commissioned study found out-of-pockets costs for patients to range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. Another recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. By eliminating burdensome financial barriers to comprehensive preventive care, we can drive earlier detection, improve outcomes, reduce the overall costs to the health care system and create a healthier more productive workforce.
