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 fully cover the cost of diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. Currently, while many insurance plans cover routine screening mammograms at no cost, additional breast imaging — such as follow-up tests ordered after an abnormal result or supplemental scans like 3D mammograms or ultrasounds — can come with copays, deductibles, or coinsurance charges that patients must pay themselves. This bill would eliminate those extra charges.

The bill affects Rhode Island residents who have health insurance and need additional breast imaging beyond a standard screening. This most commonly applies to people who receive an abnormal mammogram result and need further testing to determine whether a concerning area is cancerous or benign. Under the bill, insurance companies would be prohibited from passing any of the cost of these follow-up or supplemental exams on to the patient.

The practical effect is that cost would no longer be a barrier for people who need follow-up breast imaging. Advocates for this type of legislation often point out that cost-sharing requirements can discourage patients from getting recommended follow-up care, potentially delaying the detection of breast cancer. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.