Susan G. Komen® Applauds Bill Introductions, Urges Quick Passage
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, commends Senators Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) for introducing legislation that would eliminate financial barriers to clinically appropriate genetic testing and supplemental breast imaging. In Texas, more than 23,880 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 3,330 are expected to die of the disease in 2025 alone.
SB 1955, introduced by Sen. Parker, eliminates the patient out-of-pocket costs for germline 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. In the U.S., 5-10% of breast cancers are related to a known inherited gene mutation. The lifetime risk of breast cancer increases 20-49% for women with moderate risk inherited gene mutations and 50% or more for women with high-risk inherited gene mutations.
SB 1747, introduced by Sen. Alvarado, eliminates the patient’s out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds. Unfortunately, when an individual is at a higher risk of breast cancer, supplemental imaging is required to determine if the patient needs a biopsy.
“These bills ensure patients have a better understanding of their lifetime cancer risk, access to needed risk reduction and treatment strategies, and affordable coverage of needed breast imaging,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Understanding cancer risk and access to needed imaging shouldn’t depend on financial means. These pieces of legislation help eliminate barriers, empowering individuals with essential knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.”
“No one should have to choose between financial stability and life-saving screenings,” said Sen. Parker. “SB 1955 ensures that Texans at higher risk for breast cancer have access to critical genetic testing and early detection tools without the burden of out-of-pocket costs. By removing these barriers, we empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and improve outcomes for countless families across our state.”
A 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. The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with these critical breast imaging procedures range from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, often forcing individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early detection has been proven to substantially reduce mortality rates, but it often requires supplemental imaging – especially for the highest risk patients,” said Sen. Alvarado. “My bill prohibits health plans from imposing cost-sharing requirements on coverage for these medically necessary procedures. That means no copays, deductibles or coinsurance for all high quality, evidence-based early detection screenings.”
