Rep. Nabeela Syed Measure for Expanded Breast Cancer Care Passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, working with a constituent of the 51st District, recently passed groundbreaking legislation to fill gaps in breast cancer screening coverage and ensure that all people who need medically recommended screening can afford it.

 

“I feel lucky that I live in a community of people so interested in taking part in the lawmaking process and helping build a stronger future for their neighbors. Leslie Yerger, founder and CEO of local nonprofit My Density Matters, came to me as a constituent with lived experience of not receiving the breast cancer screening she needed, resulting in missed breast cancer for nearly a decade,” Syed said. “It’s vital to the health of nearly half of women who have dense breast tissue, that this screening is covered by insurance at no cost-sharing.”

 

Leslie Ferris Yerger said, “Thank you, Representative Syed, for leading the charge to more accessible breast cancer screening so more women in Illinois will have their breast cancer found early, while still curable. With the passage of HB4180, Illinois may have the most comprehensive supplemental breast cancer screening insurance coverage in the nation.”

 

Syed filed House Bill 4180 to ensure that more extensive breast cancer screenings for those that need them are covered by all medical insurance. It was backed by Equality Illinois, Illinois National Organization for Women, Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health. House Bill 4180 passed the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support, and now will go to the governor for signature.

 

State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, carried the measure in the Senate.

 

“Standard mammograms aren’t always effective on patients with dense breasts. Unfortunately, insurance companies may deny having additional tests that are needed to detect cancer. This can lead to life-threatening situations for those who cannot afford additional tests,” said Edly-Allen. “We must ensure that we do not put profit over people’s health and require these insurance plans to cover all medically necessary tests, and not just the bare minimum.”