Under the bill, Alaska would join other states in barring private insurers from making at-risk patients pay for more advanced cancer checks.
Breast cancer cells that have invaded normal tissues are seen in this microscopic image captured in 1987.
A bill pending in the Alaska Legislature aims to change that, at least for patients covered by private health insurance policies.Routine screening mammograms that are appropriate for most women are already fully covered as prevention coverage — without any copayment allowed by insurers — under the federal Affordable Care Act.
Diagnostic tests include more enhanced mammography of dense tissue or other trouble spots or examination through magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasounds or some other advanced technology, according to the bill’s text.“We’re losing a significant number of people who can’t afford the cost share,” he said in an interview. It appears that about 1,400 Alaskans who should get the diagnostic screenings are foregoing them because of cost, he said.Rep.
Emily Nenon, Alaska government relations director of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, was among the health organization representatives. She said women run into trouble when, during routine screening, they learn they are at high risk or that they need a more detailed diagnosis. “Those costs can scare the patient away, and we want to catch cancers as early as we can,” she said.
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