Senator Lavalle Encourages Mammography Screenings –

New York State Insurance Law Remains Unchanged 

            In light of recent mammography screening recommendations published by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Senator Kenneth P. LaValle would like to advise women that New York State Insurance Law remains unchanged.  Under the law, health insurance providers are required to cover annual mammograms for insured persons age 40 and older.  In addition, single baseline mammograms are covered for women age 35 to 39 and a mammography recommended by a physician is covered at any age.

            The National Cancer Institute recommends that women age 40 and older have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.  Women who are at higher risk are advised to talk with their physician about whether to begin mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. 

            “Women should follow their doctor’s recommendation with regard to mammograms and not be afraid that their health insurance will not cover the screening,” said Senator LaValle.  “Mammography is the best early detection tool we have in the fight against breast cancer.  Routine mammograms provide peace of mind and help save lives by diagnosing breast cancers in their most curable stages.  I urge women to continue taking advantage of this life-saving screening.”