WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), along with Congresswomen Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Colin Allred (TX-32), introduced bipartisan legislation to make breast cancer diagnostic tests more affordable and accessible to women by eliminating copays and additional out-of-pocket expenses. The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2023 requires insurance companies to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. The legislation is endorsed by the Susan G. Komen foundation.
“Key in the fight against breast cancer is timely diagnostic testing, which greatly increases a patient’s chance of beating this devastating disease,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in introducing this legislation so that we can eliminate undue financial obstacles associated with diagnostic exams and increase access to the medical care that patients need.”
“We know that early diagnosis saves lives, so no one should be unable to access critical testing because they can’t afford it,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and this bipartisan legislation would eliminate financial barriers that prevent women from getting vitally important diagnostic imaging tests.”
“I know precisely how critical early detection is to surviving breast cancer. It helped save my life, and cost should never be a barrier that delays women from getting screenings,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “I am extremely eager to collaborate with my colleagues on this important, bipartisan legislation, to eliminate copays and additional out-of-pocket expenses that create breast cancer diagnostic testing hurdles. We cannot allow financial status to limit access to essential services, like screenings and preventive care. Too many lives depend on it.”
“My mother is a breast cancer survivor so I understand personally what families face, and that cost should never stand in the way of North Texans getting preventative and diagnostic care,” said Congressman Allred. “I am committed to working so every Texan has access to quality, affordable health care. Our bipartisan bill closes a gap in coverage and takes a step toward helping women get the health care they need.”
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