Senate Approves Measures Expanding Access to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screenings

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate today approved two measures to expand access to breast cancer screening tests with no out-of-pocket costs for people at high risk, said Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women in the United States after skin cancers, and early detection is the key to saving lives. The Senate approved the following bills:

Senate Bill 1225 requires MRI insurance coverage, with no out-of-pocket costs, for all individuals with high-risk factors such as a personal history of breast cancer, family history, dense breast tissue, a genetic predisposition or previous radiation therapy.

Senate Bill 1330 requires insurance coverage of all costs for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

While testing positive for a gene mutation does not mean an individual will get cancer, it does mean they have a much higher risk of developing a hereditary cancer.

“With the passage of these bills, we are one day closer to hopefully eliminating breast cancer for good,” Laughlin said. “We all know someone whose life has been impacted by this terrible disease, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to advance these bills for all those who may be diagnosed in the future.”

The two bills will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

Contact:   David Kozak   717-787-8927

 

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