HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking steps to strengthen breast cancer care access by eliminating cost barriers to diagnostic imaging for high- and moderate-risk women.
Senate Bill 88, introduced by Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), passed the Senate Insurance Committee unanimously this week. The bill would require insurance companies to cover both screening and follow-up diagnostic breast imaging at no cost to women deemed at higher risk for breast cancer.
“This is a very personal journey for me,” said Farry, whose wife Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer. “We’re closing a loophole that leaves many women unable to afford the critical diagnostics that come after a free screening.”
A Personal and Legislative Mission
The effort builds on a landmark breast cancer screening bill spearheaded by Senate President Kim Ward, who is herself a breast cancer survivor. That law, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, made Pennsylvania one of the first states to mandate insurance-covered screenings for high-risk women.
However, many insurance plans still do not cover the cost of follow-up diagnostic procedures, which are often necessary if a screening raises concerns.
“One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. I’m one of them,” Ward said. “We have to finish the work we started and make sure all breast imaging is accessible—screening and diagnostics alike.”
Closing the Diagnostic Gap
Advocates argue that while free screenings are important, the real barrier often comes next—diagnostic testing that can confirm or rule out cancer. These tests can be expensive, with out-of-pocket costs deterring many women from getting them.
“Early diagnosis saves lives,” said Pat Halpin-Murphy, president of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. “The earlier we catch it, the better the outcomes.”
Ward added: “We know screening is only part of early detection. Too many patients are still paying exorbitant costs for diagnostic imaging. It’s time to finish our unfinished business.”
More Than Policy—A Family Story
Farry also shared a personal moment from his wife’s treatment journey. During Christine’s last chemotherapy session on June 20, 2024, he surprised her with a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, a replica of her first car. He had hidden it at the treatment center, marking the occasion of her ringing the victory bell.
“She had wanted one for years,” he said. “I wanted to give her something to celebrate—and now I want this bill to help others get to that moment too.”
What’s Next?
With bipartisan support and strong public backing, Senate Bill 88 is expected to move forward smoothly in the full Senate. If passed, it would significantly expand insurance-mandated coverage to include the full range of breast cancer detection services, from screening through diagnosis.
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