Lisa Baker, a Senator from Pennsylvania, announced that recent legislation will facilitate no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging for individuals with abnormal breast cancer screening results. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“We’re a big step closer to providing no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging for patients who receive abnormal breast cancer screening results thanks to legislation passed by the Senate,” said Baker. “This will ensure critical continuum of care.”
Pennsylvania has moved forward with Senate Bill 88, which requires that there be no out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic imaging such as MRIs and ultrasounds following abnormal screenings. According to PennLive, this bipartisan measure builds upon previous laws aimed at removing financial barriers for patients and aligns state policy with federal guidelines.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network reports that over 70% of commercially insured Pennsylvanians incurred out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up diagnostic breast imaging in 2023, with state cost sharing averaging 32%. This situation has resulted in many patients delaying necessary care, prompting legislative efforts to eliminate these expenses.
According to Susan G. Komen, approximately 12% of patients in Pennsylvania are called back after a mammogram for additional imaging. Of those, one in five skip the recommended follow-up if a deductible applies. Diagnostic MRIs can exceed $1,000 out of pocket in the state, significantly higher than the national average, making financial relief an urgent policy concern.
Ballotpedia indicates that Lisa Baker is a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 20th District. She currently chairs the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee and is a sponsor of SB 88. Her legislative record includes initiatives to expand no-cost diagnostic breast imaging and advocacy for women’s health and senior care.
