Prohibits an insurance company from imposing any cost-sharing requirements for any diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require health insurance companies in Rhode Island to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations at no cost to the patient. That means if a doctor orders a follow-up mammogram, ultrasound, or other additional breast imaging — for example, because an initial screening showed something that needs a closer look — the insurance company could not charge the patient a copay, deductible, or any other out-of-pocket fee for those tests.

Currently, while many insurance plans already cover routine preventive breast cancer screenings without cost-sharing, patients can still face charges when they need a *diagnostic* exam (ordered because of a specific concern or abnormal result) or a *supplemental* exam (such as an MRI or ultrasound ordered in addition to a mammogram). This bill would close that gap, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier when a patient needs additional imaging to investigate a potential health concern.

This bill would primarily affect Rhode Island residents who have private health insurance and who are recommended by their doctor to get follow-up or additional breast imaging. Insurance companies operating in Rhode Island would be required to adjust their coverage policies to eliminate these cost-sharing charges. The bill has been referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote.