Didech Measure Expanding Coverage for Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screenings Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is praising a new law recently signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that expands coverage for lifesaving breast cancer screenings.

“The health care needs of women are all too often overlooked by insurance companies looking to put their profits before people,” Didech said. “By passing this law, Illinois is making a statement that all women deserve access to quality health care services that fit their needs.”

Didech is a sponsor of Senate Bill 162, now Public Act 101-0580, which requires insurance plans to cover diagnostic mammograms.  A physician typically orders diagnostic mammograms when abnormalities or signs of breast cancer are detected during preventative screenings, but these additional screenings are often not fully covered by insurance providers. Didech hopes this new law will allow more women to access to the lifesaving screenings and treatments they deserve without being subjected to unexpected out-of-pocket costs. The measure goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

“Before this legislation was signed into law, insurance companies could unfairly discriminate against women who had abnormalities show up during routine health screenings and that’s just wrong,” Didech said. “Women’s health care is a fundamental right and we must do everything we can to ensure that right continues to be protected in Illinois, regardless of what Donald Trump and his allies in Washington do.”