Proposed bill would mandate insurers expand coverage for breast cancer screenings

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A bill focused on increasing access to lifesaving breast imaging got a public hearing in Madison this week. 

If passed, the bipartisan bill would make sure people with dense breast tissue and those at increased risk of breast cancer can get necessary tests done with no out-of-pocket costs. 

According to the CDC, around 40% of women have dense breast tissue. That dense tissue can hide cancer on mammograms. 

Often, MRIs and ultrasounds are needed for a full diagnosis. 

A co-author of the bill, and nurse serving in the Legislature, says these tests should be covered for everyone.

"If you are going to tell a woman that you can get a preventative breast screening and offer solely a mammogram, you are, in essence, not covering the portion of women that have dense breast tissue, that then have to go and pay out-of-pocket to get thorough screening," said State Rep. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton).

A representative for the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans spoke at the hearing against the bill, saying there isn't enough research showing those extra tests are beneficial, and taking on the costs will raise premiums. 

More than a third of the Legislature are signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, on both sides of the aisle.