Senate Bill 810- Coverage for Screening Breast Ultrasound

On Thursday, February 23rd, I attended a hearing at the Connecticut State Capitol for Senate Bill 810.  The bill is up for review and would entitle women with dense breast tissue the right to a screening breast ultrasound with no out-of-pocket payment.  The proposed bill states that regarding insurance coverage "No such policy shall impose a copayment or deductible for an in-network mammogram or comprehensive ultrasound examination."  I spoke in support of this bill, along with Jan Kritzman and Heidi Grise.  Both Jan and Heidi are breast cancer survivors who have dense breast tissue and their cancers were detected only by screening breast ultrasound.  I cannot stress enough the value of  screening breast ultrasound in dense breast tissue.   Small, invasive cancers are frequently found on ultrasound in patients with a negative mammogram.  Early detection allows for easier treatment to the patient and saves lives. Every woman with dense breast tissue should be able to undergo screening breast ultrasound without the worry of additional cost.  In addition to our in-person testimonies, there were 18-20 written testimonies also submitted in support of the bill.  The next step is the State Senate.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that the bill passes and all women with dense breast tissue will be covered by insurance for their screening breast ultrasound!