Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter Pass Legislation Expanding Insurance Coverage For Supplemental Breast Cancer Screenings

For Immediate Release

October 1, 2024

Senator Roxanne J. Persaud Contact: Christine Delius | mcdelius@nysenate.gov | (718) 649-7653

Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter Contact: Matthew Jones | jonesm@nyassembly.gov

Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter Pass Legislation Expanding Insurance Coverage For Supplemental Breast Cancer Screenings  

Legislation S.2465C/A.1696C Expands Insurance Coverage of Breast Cancer Screening and Imaging To Include Nationally Recognized Guidelines

(ALBANY, NY).  Today, on the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month, legislation S.2465C/A.1696C sponsored by NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (District 19), Chair of the NYS Senate Social Services Committee and Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter (District 128) was signed into law expanding insurance coverage of breast cancer screening and imaging to include procedures as deemed necessary by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. Risk factors that may warrant supplemental screenings include dense breast tissue, personal history of breast cancer, diagnosis of breast cancer prior to age 50 and genetics-based risk (including BRCA1 carriers). The covered supplemental screenings include diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, or breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

"With the signing of this critical legislation, we take a significant step forward in the fight against breast cancer,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. This expansion of insurance coverage for screenings and imaging will empower individuals to prioritize their health without the burden of cost and ensure that early detection becomes a standard, not a privilege. I thank my colleague Assembly Member Hunter for joining me in the advocacy and Governor Hochul for signing this legislation."

“Expanding insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and imaging based on nationally recognized clinical guidelines is a vital step in ensuring that women across New York have access to lifesaving early detection,” said Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter. This legislation, signed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, removes financial barriers to critical diagnostic procedures like mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs, which are essential in the fight against breast cancer. I am proud to have championed this bill in the Assembly, and I want to thank Governor Hochul and Senator Persaud for their leadership and support in making this a reality for women across the state."

"Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is key, but for some patients, like those with dense breasts and others at higher risk due to a personal or family history of breast cancer, a mammogram may not be enough." said Donna D'Alessio, MD, Chair of the New York State Radiological Society Breast Imaging Committee. "When these risk factors lead a provider to recommend supplemental imaging, patients should not have to worry about whether they can afford it. Requiring health insurance coverage for supplemental screening and diagnostic imaging with breast ultrasound and MRI means they will now receive the breast imaging they require, leading to earlier diagnosis and often better health outcomes. We thank Senator Persaud and Assembly Member Hunter for their leadership on this life saving legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it into law."

This legislation will take effect January 1, 2026, and will apply to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such date.

                                                                           # #  #