HARRISBURG – With broad bipartisan support, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, removing financial barriers for patients, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who supported the measure.
Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for individuals at high risk. The legislation takes the next step by guaranteeing that patients who receive abnormal results from supplemental screenings – such as MRIs or ultrasounds covered under Act 1 – can now access the necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost. It also expands eligibility to include individuals at average risk, aligning Pennsylvania law with recommendations from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
“As someone with dense breast tissue, I know firsthand how critical it is to have access to additional diagnostic imaging. Too often, the cost of that follow-up work stands between women and the answers they need,” Baker said. “Senate Bill 88 removes that financial barrier and ensures patients can get timely, potentially lifesaving care. This is a compassionate and commonsense step forward, and I’m proud to support it,”
While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. Senate Bill 88 closes this gap so patients can access the full continuum of care without financial burden.
The bill has received support from leading advocacy groups, including the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society, and is not opposed by insurers.
Senate Bill 88 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson