“Nearly half of all women in America have high density breast tissue,” said Rep. Crouch. The denser a woman’s breast tissue, the greater the chance she has of getting breast cancer.” Current law does not require insurers to provide coverage for appropriate medical tests and screenings, such as ultrasounds, to women who have high breast density. Additionally, there is no legal requirement for a facility that performs a mammography exam to notify patients determinations of high breast density or if they need additional care. "There are other tests that can help detect breast cancer, which would not be seen with mammogram alone,” said Rep. Crouch. “As we all know, the sooner cancer is detected, the sooner treatment can begin and the better the chances of survival and recovery." SB 414 requires a number of insurance plans to cover appropriate medical tests, exams and screenings for certain women who have been determined to have high breast density. The bill also requires the medical licensing board to establish rules that create: 1. An education program designed to educate women with high breast density. 2. Standards for annual screening or diagnostic tests of certain women who have been determined to have high breast density and who would require follow up care or testing. Since the bill was amended in the House, it will be returned to the Senate. -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties
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