Legislation Eliminates Financial Barriers to Critical Breast Imaging, Would Help Thousands Across Rhode Island Afford Care They Require

Susan G. Komen^® Applauds Bill Introduction, Urges Quick Passage

PROVIDENCE - Susan G. Komen^®, the world's leading breast cancer organization commends Senator Sam Zurier (D-Providence) and Representative Kathleen Fogarty (D-South Kingstown) for introducing legislation to ensure equitable access to required diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, by eliminating the financial barriers patients face in accessing needed breast cancer screening.

The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, often force individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.

"Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of Rhode Islanders are forced to make that decision every year," said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. "This bill will remove the financial barrier so that individuals can get the medically necessary breast imaging they need without having to endure financial burdens. This is a pivotal step toward reducing overall health care costs by enabling earlier detection, more timely treatment and better outcomes."

Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to complete their early detection process.

S.2032, introduced by Sen. Zurier, and H.7276, introduced by Rep. Fogarty, eliminate the patient's out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds.

"Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer, which is why I am proud to sponsor SB 2032. This legislation helps remove financial barriers so individuals can access timely, life-saving imaging without delaying care due to cost," said Sen. Zurier. "Breast cancer is up to five times more expensive to treat once it spreads beyond the breast. S.2032 is not only saving lives-it is also reducing costs for patients and the healthcare system as a whole."

The earlier we identify and diagnose breast cancer, the more treatment options we can offer-and the more lives we can save," said Rep. Fogarty. "I am proud to reintroduce H.7276 and fight for Rhode Islanders' timely access to breast cancer diagnoses, giving them the best possible chance to fight this disease."

A Komen-commissioned study found out-of-pockets costs for patients to range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. Another recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. By eliminating burdensome financial barriers to comprehensive preventive care, we can drive earlier detection, improve outcomes, reduce the overall costs to the health care system and create a healthier more productive workforce.