Earlier today the Pennsylvania State House passed Senate Bill 88, a companion bill to House Bill 433. This legislation expands Pennsylvanians’ access to diagnostic and supplemental imaging needed to detect breast cancer early without a cost burden. The House’s action follows the Senate, which passed Senate Bill 88 this summer and now heads to Governor Shapiro’s desk.
Senate Bill 88 would make it so that more Pennsylvanians can access the early detection and treatment that make survivorship possible by eliminating out-of-pocket obligations for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. This means that, should someone in Pennsylvania receive an abnormal result during a mammogram and need follow-up testing, they would not have to pay for it. This is critical as research suggests that such costs serve as a barrier to completing the process needed to detect breast cancer early and treat it effectively.
Yesterday, advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) convened at the Capitol to both call for the final passage of this legislation and honor the legislative sponsors, Senator Frank Farry and Representative Gina H. Curry, for the leadership on the issue.
Support for the bill extended to public health organizations across the state, including ACS CAN, Susan G. Komen, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, with leaders lending their expertise to promote the importance of early detection.
The following is a statement from Donna Greco, Pennsylvania government relations director for ACS CAN, relaying the cancer community’s gratitude to members of the House and Senate for passing this legislation and to Governor Josh Shapiro for sharing his support and willingness to sign the bill swiftly.
“With early detection and diagnostic imaging, we have the tools to limit the harm caused by cancer and the suffering it brings to families across the Commonwealth. We just need one more step to place that promise within reach of more Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 88 would do just that. The cancer community could not be more grateful to the sponsors Senator Frank Farry and Representative Gina H. Curry and leadership in both chambers for championing this lifesaving legislation.
“By the end of this year, more than 13,650 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 1,800 are expected to die from the disease. The legislation in front of the governor represents a bipartisan opportunity to address the financial barriers to Pennsylvanians’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screening by removing costs associated with diagnostic breast examinations. We look forward to when Governor Shapiro enacts this critical legislation and are immensely grateful for his support in ensuring fewer Pennsylvanians delay or forgo care because of the cost burden.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.