Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt proposes law to help with costs of breast cancer screenings

Topeka, Kan. - Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, testified in support of SB 409, a bill introduced by her department that would eliminate the out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental and diagnostic breast cancer detection services including MRIs, ultrasounds, and diagnostic mammograms. These additional procedures, frequently prescribed following inconclusive mammogram results, may be due to abnormalities or dense breast tissue, which affects nearly half of all women over 40.

"As a breast cancer survivor, early detection saved my life, but in so many cases additional screening tools are needed to find suspicious areas," said Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. "No matter the reason - be it abnormalities, dense breast tissue, or other concerns - Kansans should not have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for these screenings."

The bill would eliminate cost-sharing barriers. If an insurance plan already covers diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, SB 409 ensures there are no out-of-pocket costs seeking those necessary tests.

The bill was heard today in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance. The hearing proceeds the Susan G. Komen Day of Action on the Capital scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, where Commissioner Vicki Schmidt will provide remarks.