Bolinsky Supports Expanded Coverage for Breast Cancer Tests

HARTFORD- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) today strongly supported a proposal he has co-sponsored to provide insurance coverage for diagnostic testing needed for early detection of breast cancer.

HB-6626, looks to fix a loophole in current law, which mandates coverage screening of dense breasts but didn’t include or require coverage of diagnostic tests and breasts procedures.

The bill expands required health insurance coverage under certain individual and group health insurance policies to include coverage for colorectal cancer diagnoses and related benefits, breast health and breast cancer benefits regardless of sex, diagnostic and screening (mammograms, comprehensive breast ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging of an entire breast or breasts), breast biopsies, prophylactic mastectomies for certain insureds, and breast reconstructive surgery for certain insureds.

Representative Bolinsky said, “Many women put off diagnostic testing for breast cancer because of the high out-of-pocket costs. This bill closes that loophole insurance companies have been using and requires coverage allowing more women to get the diagnostic tests needed for early detection of breast cancer.  By passing this proposal, we can remove some of the financial pressures associated with diagnostic breast cancer testing and allow for early detection. Bottom line: like much of my own legislation, this bill will save lives.”

The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives and now moves to the State Senate for further action.