MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers signed "Gail's Law" on Thursday, March 19, requiring health insurance policies, including BadgerCare, to fully cover supplemental breast screenings for those with denser breast tissue or at an increased risk of breast cancer.

The law is named in honor of Gail Zeamer, a Wisconsin woman who died in June 2024 at the age of 56 after a late-stage diagnosis caused by undetected cancer in dense breast tissue. While standard mammograms are covered, they are often less effective for nearly half of all women, who may require additional imaging that previously came with out-of-pocket costs over $1,000, according to the bill's authors.

"Today is a major victory for women and families across Wisconsin," said Rep. Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie. "Gail's Law removes financial barriers that can delay care when every moment counts. Early detection saves lives, and now more women will be able to access the screenings they need without added cost."

The bipartisan bill had broad support. Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, called it "a long-overdue change" and credited Zeamer's family for their advocacy.

Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen, also offered support in a Thursday statement, noting the prohibitive cost people faced that kept them from getting screened. Not anymore. This life-saving legislation ensures they can receive the breast imaging they require, likely leading to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes."

Zeamer had previously helped pass a 2017 law requiring mammogram facilities to notify patients about dense breast tissue. Her family continued advocating for expanded coverage after her death.