Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection.
This new law represents a significant policy change that will improve access to care and make cancer care more equitable. Insurers regulated by the Commonwealth must cover follow-up screening for patients with abnormal mammograms or dense breast tissue, including digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) screening, MRIs, and ultrasounds with no out-of-pocket costs.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the region's leading comprehensive cancer center, is praising Governor Healey and the Legislature for passing this bill.
"We are so grateful to Governor Healey and the Legislature for supporting this critical legislation that will make cancer care more equitable and help save more lives from breast cancer. Their support demonstrates unwavering commitment to health equity and to patients facing significant out-of-pocket costs for additional screening beyond what has been covered previously. Importantly, this legislation eliminates financial barriers to care, reducing the risk of death from breast cancer and increasing treatment options for patients," said Craig Bunnell, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
"This legislation is an important victory for patients throughout the Commonwealth. We know that when health plans cover medically necessary screening and diagnostic breast imaging, we can detect breast cancer at an earlier stage which can make an enormous difference in outcomes. Indeed, this bill will improve health and save lives," said Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
As a world-leading cancer research and treatment center, Dana-Farber advocated strongly for the passage of this legislation. Deeply invested in this issue, Dana-Farber operates a mobile mammography van that has become a trusted resource since 2002, serving 24,000 women residing in underserved neighborhoods in Boston and surrounding communities. Unfortunately, when a follow-up test is necessary, it typically requires hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs delaying treatment and the real-world consequence is higher mortality outcomes. For instance, although White and Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at about the same rate, breast cancer mortality is 40% higher among Black women.
"We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives," said Governor Maura Healey. "This legislation will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need. I'm grateful to the Legislature for their leadership on this bill, and to the patients, providers, and advocates who made their voices heard in support of more affordable and accessible care for Massachusetts residents."
Dana-Farber's advocacy work on this bill is part of its mission to advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. Representatives James Murphy (D-Weymouth), Ruth Balser (D-Newton), and Senators Michael Rush (D-Boston), and Joan Lovely (D-Salem), championed the legislation with the support of legislative leaders. The MA Radiological Society, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Massachusetts Hospitals, and Community Health Centers joined Dana-Farber in the advocacy for the passage of this legislation.
