Senators Work Together to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnosis Access

Breast cancer doesn’t choose sides when it comes to politics. But, as is often the case, access to testing can vary based on where you live and your financial situation.

In a show of bipartisanship, Senators Katie Britt and Jeanne Shaheen have come together to reintroduce the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act. This legislation aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for diagnostic breast cancer tests, making them more accessible for those in need.

“The ABCD Act enhances access to mammography, enabling women to diagnose quickly and, hopefully, have a wider range of treatment options,” Britt (R-Montgomery) stated. She stressed that mammograms can be lifesaving and that this bipartisan effort ensures health insurance companies will cover follow-up diagnostic tests without any costs to patients.

“We’re happy to reintroduce this law alongside Senator Shaheen,” she added.

Currently, laws mandate that insurers cover breast cancer screenings, but this coverage doesn’t always extend to diagnostic tests, which often involve more advanced imaging like 3D mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. That’s a significant gap, especially given that a follow-up diagnostic test is typically necessary after an initial screening.

“Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is tough enough without the added stress of financial concerns. Families shouldn’t have to worry about affording the tests they need,” Britt remarked, emphasizing that breast cancer impacts people regardless of their location or political beliefs.

“Let’s set aside our differences and pass this bipartisan bill that could save countless lives,” she urged.

According to the Alabama Breast Cancer Research Foundation, around one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. In Alabama alone, approximately 4,500 women are expected to be diagnosed this year.

Nationwide, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer are anticipated, as highlighted by a Susan G. Komen report. The same study indicated that costs for diagnostic tests can range from $234 to $1,041, which can be a hefty burden for many.

“For too many people, high out-of-pocket costs make essential imaging and timely diagnoses just out of reach, forcing them to choose between their financial wellbeing and their health,” commented Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy for Susan G. Komen. “The ABCD Act aims to remove financial barriers to diagnosis, allowing individuals to access the care they need without the strain of overwhelming costs.”

Britt is also a member of the Appropriations Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. She previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress. For those interested, the full text of the ABCD Act is available here.