Idaho lawmakers propose bill for insurance coverage of breast MRIs for high risk women
February 17, 2025 | Health and Welfare, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho
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The Idaho House of Representatives convened on February 17, 2025, to discuss critical health care legislation aimed at improving access to breast cancer screenings for high-risk women. The meeting highlighted a bipartisan effort led by Representatives Brooke Green and another legislator to address significant gaps in insurance coverage for essential medical screenings.
During the session, it was noted that many private insurance companies currently do not cover breast MRIs, leaving women to face substantial out-of-pocket expenses or forgoing necessary screenings altogether. This situation was described as an unacceptable gap in health care, prompting the introduction of House Bill 134. The proposed legislation seeks to require private insurance plans, excluding Medicaid and self-insured regulated plans, to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings, including MRIs, contrast mammograms, or ultrasounds for women at heightened risk.
Representative Green emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that it is about saving lives rather than political affiliations. She shared her personal connection to the issue, highlighting her own experiences with breast cancer risk factors, which include genetic predispositions and dense breast tissue. The bill aims to ensure that women who need follow-up imaging after routine mammograms can access these services without facing financial barriers.
The proposed legislation is designed to align coverage for supplemental screenings with existing benefits for routine mammograms, thereby correcting inconsistencies in insurance coverage. By classifying these screenings as necessary extensions of preventative care, the bill aims to enhance early detection and treatment of breast cancer, ultimately improving health outcomes for women across Idaho.
As the discussion progressed, the representatives expressed hope that this bipartisan initiative would unite lawmakers in support of women's health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing financial barriers to essential medical care. The committee's support for the bill could mark a significant step forward in ensuring that all Idaho women have access to the life-saving screenings they need.
During the session, it was noted that many private insurance companies currently do not cover breast MRIs, leaving women to face substantial out-of-pocket expenses or forgoing necessary screenings altogether. This situation was described as an unacceptable gap in health care, prompting the introduction of House Bill 134. The proposed legislation seeks to require private insurance plans, excluding Medicaid and self-insured regulated plans, to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings, including MRIs, contrast mammograms, or ultrasounds for women at heightened risk.
Representative Green emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that it is about saving lives rather than political affiliations. She shared her personal connection to the issue, highlighting her own experiences with breast cancer risk factors, which include genetic predispositions and dense breast tissue. The bill aims to ensure that women who need follow-up imaging after routine mammograms can access these services without facing financial barriers.
The proposed legislation is designed to align coverage for supplemental screenings with existing benefits for routine mammograms, thereby correcting inconsistencies in insurance coverage. By classifying these screenings as necessary extensions of preventative care, the bill aims to enhance early detection and treatment of breast cancer, ultimately improving health outcomes for women across Idaho.
As the discussion progressed, the representatives expressed hope that this bipartisan initiative would unite lawmakers in support of women's health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing financial barriers to essential medical care. The committee's support for the bill could mark a significant step forward in ensuring that all Idaho women have access to the life-saving screenings they need.
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