U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has joined a bipartisan effort to address the financial barriers associated with breast cancer diagnostic tests. Alongside Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Katie Britt, Capito is backing the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act (ABCD), which aims to eliminate copays and other out-of-pocket expenses for these essential tests.
Senator Capito emphasized the importance of early detection in combating breast cancer: “We know that early detection and screening for breast cancer can save lives. That’s why it’s essential that we eliminate financial barriers and make diagnostic testing as affordable and accessible as possible. I am proud to join Senator Shaheen and Senator Britt on the commonsense, bipartisan Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act.”
Under current legislation, insurance companies are required to cover breast cancer screenings without copays, but this does not extend to necessary diagnostic tests such as mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. These follow-up tests are crucial as approximately 10% of screening mammograms require additional diagnostics.
The cost of these tests often deters women from pursuing them, potentially allowing cancer progression that increases both health risks and treatment costs. According to statistics, 40.6% of women might skip further imaging due to deductible concerns.
Financially, a diagnostic mammogram typically costs $234 out-of-pocket, while a breast MRI averages $1,021. Medical debt is a significant factor in personal bankruptcies across the United States, particularly among cancer patients.
The proposed bill seeks to remove these financial obstacles so women can access recommended imaging without incurring debt. The Susan G. Komen Foundation endorses this legislative initiative.
