MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 300 Thursday, which would help patients better afford breast cancer screenings. HB300 would make sure any state-regulated health insurance plan covers follow-up diagnostic imaging without any cost-sharing, including a deductible.
A recent report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) found that over 70% of commercially-insured patients encountered out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic tests in 2023. These follow-up tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, MRI or ultrasound, are medically recommended next steps to determine if an individual has cancer.
While screening mammograms are free to most insured women starting at age 40, follow-up tests often result in out-of-pocket costs for patients, creating barriers that keep people from getting them.
“ACS CAN applauds the swift, bipartisan support for this bill and thanks lawmakers including sponsors Rep. Frances Holk-Jones and Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison,” said Jane Adams, government relations director for ACS CAN in Alabama. “We urge all Alabamians to get a breast cancer screening and any recommended follow-up testing.”
Nearly 5,000 patients will get breast cancer in Alabama in 2026. Delaying or skipping follow-up diagnostic tests can result in later-stage cancer diagnoses and higher healthcare costs. In 2024, more than 1 million women were estimated to experience a delay in follow-up testing and imaging due to associated costs.
“Every patient deserves to have all the testing they need, without cost concerns,” Adams said. “The elimination of out-of-pocket cost sharing nationwide could prevent more than 7,500 later-stage breast cancer diagnoses and save lives.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk for signing into law.
