Florida bill eliminating costs for breast cancer screening in some patients passes committee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging passed a Senate committee Monday.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, filed SB 932. Rep. Marie Paule Woodson, D-Hollywood, filed a similar bill, HB 773.

“We all know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives and by having this bill, we will be saving lives,” Berman said. “It has already been adopted in 20 other states and I hope Florida will join us and become state number 21.”

Berman said some examples the bill would eliminate are out-of-pocket costs for screenings of patients who need diagnostic MRIs, ultrasounds or diagnostic mammograms.

The senator said the legislation does not seek to create new coverage, it “simply addresses the patient cost sharing requirements.”

The bill only applies to state insurance policies, not federal insurance policies.

“Many Floridians in need of diagnostic and supplemental breast exams for the early detection of breast cancer are consistently subject to unaffordable costs,” Berman said in a press release.

Berman is an eight-year breast cancer survivor and said she is “honored” to sponsor the legislation.

“I truly understand how important it is to ensure access to these medically necessary exams,” she said. “Now is the time to add Florida to the growing list of states that have passed this lifesaving legislation nationwide. After years of collaboration, we are grateful to work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, one of the greatest advocacy groups for breast cancer.”

Woodson said she “personally benefited” from early detection and said she “cannot stress enough how impactful and important this legislation is.”

“Breast cancer is a life-or-death situation, and breaking the barriers to accessing care is paramount,” Woodson said. “We all know someone who has been affected by Breast cancer. Early detection saves lives and I look forward to getting this crucial legislation to the finish line with Senator Berman.”

Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen Molly Guthrie applauded Berman and Woodson for the legislation.

“This legislation will eliminate a major barrier to early diagnosis, immediately removing the financial burden that far too often falls on the shoulders of patients,” Guthrie said.