Lilly Highlights Law Expanding Mammogram Coverage as Part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is highlighting a new law expanding mammogram coverage as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

“One of the leading causes of cancer death among women is breast cancer,” Lilly said. “Mammograms are a critical part of determining whether a women has breast cancer, yet insurance companies in Illinois are leaving coverage gaps for a critical preventative measure.”

Under the Lilly-backed law, Senate Bill 162, health insurance companies in Illinois will be required to cover both screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms without charging a copay as part of preventative care coverage. Currently, health insurance companies in the state are required to cover only screening mammograms as part of the Affordable Care Act’s preventative care regulations. Screening mammograms are first-look procedures and diagnostic mammograms are ordered as a follow-up procedure if an abnormality is suspected or seen on a screening mammogram. Under Lilly’s law, these follow-up diagnostic mammograms will now be covered without copays as part of preventative care for patients.

“Early detection and proper screening is critical for women afflicted with or at risk for breast cancer,” Lilly said. “This new law expanding mammogram coverage will help save lives by ensuring that mammograms are covered as part of proactive, preventative care.”