Breast Cancer Screening Legislation Sees Movement

COLUMBUS – Last week, House Bill 371, which advocates for increased breast cancer screening and coverage by broadening accessibility and emphasizing early detection, received its second committee hearing for proponent testimony. 

The bi-partisan bill, sponsored by State Reps. Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), had nearly 40 proponent testimonies submitted to the committee. Schmidt noted that moving this bill throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, is extremely important and she encourages women everywhere to get their mammogram.

“I am happy to see this important bill moving forward and having hearings, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness month," said Schmidt. "The amount of support that was shown was unbelievable. Women from all across Ohio, including doctors and survivors, shared their stories and how important this bill is for them and other women.”

H.B. 371 will accomplish the following:

• Update the patient notification letter sent to women who are diagnosed with dense breasts. The updated letter better explains the increased risks of breast cancer that women with dense breast tissue face and encourages them to talk with their health care providers about supplemental breast cancer screenings.
• Allow women of any age or risk factor to receive a yearly mammogram. Currently, guidelines say if a woman is at least 35 but under 40 years of age, the law requires coverage of one screening mammography, without reference to the timing or frequency of the screening. If a woman is at least 40 but under 50 years of age, one screening mammography is covered every two years, unless a physician has determined that she has risk factors, one screening mammography is covered every year. Finally, in the case of a woman who is at least 50 but under 65 years of age, one screening mammography is covered every year.
• Includes tomosynthesis, which is essentially a 3-D mammogram, in the definition of mammography. This will help bring screenings in line with modern technology that can help provide clearer pictures and better determine if breast cancer may be present.
• Expands coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings for women who have been diagnosed with dense breasts or have a genetic or family history of breast cancer. These supplemental screenings include chest MRIs and ultrasounds. These exams are necessary for some women to determine whether or not breast cancer is present.

“Many of us on the committee were brought to tears hearing the stories of survivors and what they went through. I'm so thankful to these brave women and men for helping us with this legislation,” said Schmidt. 

The bill now awaits additional hearings in the House Families, Aging and Human Services Committee.