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6/23/2023
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General Assembly passes legislation mandating coverage of dense breast tissue screenings
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly has passed legislation introduced by Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown) to mandate the coverage of dense breast tissue screenings.
The legislation (2023-H 5283A, 2023-S 1134) would mandate insurance coverage for any screenings deemed medically necessary for any person who has received notice of dense breast tissue in accordance with applicable American College of Radiology guidelines.
“Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and often need supplemental screenings to a mammogram,” said Representative Fogarty. “Dense breasts make it harder for doctors to see breast cancers on mammograms, which increases the risk that cancers will be missed. Additional screenings are an important tool in detection and an integral part of women’s health.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 50 percent of all women age 40 and older have dense breasts.
“The value of post-mammogram supplemental testing in women with dense breast tissue is something that can save lives,” said Senator Sosnowski. “Anything that can be done to mitigate the risks and add to early detection is invaluable in women’s health care. I’m proud that we were able to pass this law to add to the health and well-being of all Rhode Island women.”
The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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