The New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS) played a crucial role in advocating for breast cancer screening legislation (S.2465C/A.1696C) recently signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul at the start of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The law mandates that health insurance plans cover supplemental screenings such as mammograms, breast ultrasounds and MRIs based on nationally recognized clinical guidelines when recommended by a physician. It is intended to remove financial barriers for women at higher risk of breast cancer, including those with dense breast tissue or a family history of the disease. State Sen. Roxanne Persaud specifically acknowledged NYSRS’s efforts in pushing for its passage, stating that their involvement was instrumental in ensuring patients could access lifesaving imaging services.
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) has many resources available to help patients and providers to discuss breast cancer awareness, including the Mammography Saves Lives site and an In Focus Breast Cancer Awareness page.
For more information on breast cancer legislation or other state-related affairs, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Affairs Director.