Senator Martins Votes to Expand Access to Breast Cancer Screenings for Women

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) announced that the New York State Senate gave final passage to legislation that will improve access to and coverage for breast cancer screenings for women throughout the state. The bill (S8093) is part of an agreement with the Governor and the Assembly to facilitate breast cancer detection by eliminating cost-sharing for screening, extending hours for mammography services and ensuring all public employees in the state are afforded work leave for screening.

     “The best chance for surviving breast cancer is to detect it and treat it early.  Enabling more women to access vital early detection services will save lives and help protect them from this terrible disease,” said Senator Martins, who cosponsored the legislation.

     Expanding Breast Cancer Screening by Eliminating Insurance Cost Requirements

     This measure removes the cost-sharing (e.g. annual deductibles or coinsurance) requirements for screening and diagnostic imaging for the detection of breast cancer. Eliminating these insurance barriers will prevent women from paying out-of-pocket for breast cancer screening, including imaging for the detection of breast cancer, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  

     Extending Hours for Mammography Services 

     To help individuals whose schedules may prevent them from finding available appointments to schedule mammograms, the bill requires hospitals and their extension clinics that provide mammography services throughout the state to provide extended hours in the early morning, evening, or on the weekend, in two-hour increments on at least two days, for a total of at least four hours each week. Facilities can choose between the following time slots to fulfill the requirements: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday or Sunday.

     Allotting Work-Leave Hours for Breast Cancer Screening

     To further encourage and ensure access to regular screening and early detection, this measure allows New York City public employees to take up to four hours of excused leave per year for breast cancer screening. This will give them the same opportunity to get screened as public employees in the rest of the state.

     The bill will be sent to Governor Cuomo, who is expected to sign it into law.