Mussman Supported Measure to Protect Access to Women’s Preventative Health Care Sent to Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To clarify language under the Affordable Care Act that has been used to block access to diagnostic mammograms for women, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported legislation that will ensure women continue to have access to potentially lifesaving cancer screenings.

“Physicians often recommend follow-up diagnostic mammograms when abnormal results are detected on a woman’s annual exam,” said Mussman. “Breast cancer screenings have the potential to save lives, so women should have access to necessary follow-up diagnostic tests without the fear that they will be surprised with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.”

Diagnostic mammograms are used as a follow-up to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected on a screening mammogram. Currently, screening mammograms are considered preventative care, and are covered by all marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. Mussman’s Senate Bill 162 will expand preventative care to cover diagnostic mammograms, ensuring that there is no cost sharing or copayment for patients. This measure passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives and state Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.

“Women’s health care is a fundamental right,” continued Mussman. “It is essential that women have access to preventative health care services, including mammograms and follow-up diagnostic tests that are deemed necessary by their health care provider.”