Legislation Eliminates Financial Barriers to Critical Breast Imaging, Would Help Thousands Across California Afford Care They Require

Susan G. Komen^® Applauds Bill Introduction, Urges Quick Passage

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization commends Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) for introducing legislation to ensure equitable access to required diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, by eliminating the financial barriers patients face in accessing needed breast cancer screening.

The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, often force individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.

“Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of Californians are forced to make that decision every year,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “This bill will remove the financial barrier so that individuals can get the medically necessary breast imaging they need without having to endure financial burdens. This is a pivotal step toward reducing overall health care costs by enabling earlier detection, more timely treatment and better outcomes.”

Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to complete their early detection process. Assembly Bill 1570, introduced by Assemblymember Wilson eliminates the patient’s out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds.

“I received my breast cancer diagnosis after a routine mammogram revealed abnormalities that required more diagnostic imaging and testing. Thankfully, my cancer was detected early, so I was able to begin treatment right away. I am here today because of it!” said Assemblymember Wilson. “For most women, a mammogram is just the first step. Follow-up diagnostic imaging is often medically necessary to rule out or confirm cancer. Yet the high out-of-pocket costs for these services place a financial burden on patients, forcing some to delay or forgo critical care. When patients cannot afford follow-up testing, the chance for early detection and better outcomes is lost. I am authoring this bill to ensure no Californian is forced to choose between financial hardship and timely, life-saving breast cancer detection.”

A Komen-commissioned study found out-of-pockets costs for patients to range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. Another recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. By eliminating burdensome financial barriers to comprehensive preventive care, we can drive earlier detection, improve outcomes, reduce the overall costs to the health care system and create a healthier more productive workforce.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.