Reduces the age from 35 to 30 for a covered person's annual mammogram for persons enrolled in large group policies.
Impact
If enacted, A10893 would influence the state's insurance regulations, specifically concerning the coverage for mammograms. By lowering the age requirement, the bill is designed to align with new clinical guidelines that recommend earlier screening for certain high-risk populations. It reflects a broader trend in healthcare legislation focused on preventive care and aims to ultimately reduce the incidence of advanced-stage breast cancer diagnoses in younger demographics.
Summary
Assembly Bill A10893, also known as 'Shannon's Law', proposes to amend the insurance law in New York to reduce the age at which women can begin receiving annual mammograms under certain large group insurance policies. Currently, individuals aged thirty-five and older are eligible for annual mammograms; this bill seeks to change the eligibility to encompass individuals aged thirty and above. This change aims to improve early detection rates of breast cancer among younger women and provides expanded access to preventive healthcare services.
Contention
The proposal has generated discussion regarding its potential impact on insurance costs. Proponents argue that the early detection of breast cancer through routine screenings can lead to lower treatment costs and better health outcomes, highlighting the long-term economic and public health benefits. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the financial implications for insurance providers and potential increased premiums for policyholders. The discussions emphasize the balance between expanding access to critical health services and the economic factors associated with healthcare delivery.
Requires health insurance coverage for mammography by either mammogram and breast ultrasound or breast tomosynthesis for persons with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts.
Requires insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.