Syed Legislation Would Mandate Expanded Insurance Coverage for Breast Cancer Screenings, As Rates Rise in Younger Women

PALATINE, Ill. — State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, filed legislation on Wednesday that would require insurers to begin covering two types of mammograms earlier, representing an important step forward in early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the country, and accounts for 1 in 3 new female cancers,” Syed said. “This is urgent, because the American Cancer Society is projecting that we’ll see over 320,000 new cases and over 42,000 lives will be lost in 2026. Expanded screenings work—mortality has dropped by 44% since 1989 due to catching it earlier, but more is needed and that’s why I’m taking up this challenge.”

Breast cancer incidence rates have historically increased by about 1% per year, with a slightly steeper 1.4% increase in incidence rates among women under 50. The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 65.

Syed’s House Bill 5001 would lower the age at which health insurers must start covering routine mammography—which is the primary way that breast cancer is detected. The bill requires coverage for a baseline mammogram for women 30 to 34 years old—down from 35 to 39 years—and an annual mammogram for women aged 35 years old and older, as well as at shorter intervals if a clinician deems it medically necessary—down from 40 years.

The bill is in response to advocates including Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, a mother and social worker from Palatine, IL.

“I turned 40 this year. Over the past several years, I’ve watched friends in their 20s and 30s receive breast cancer diagnoses – women who were otherwise healthy, busy raising families, building careers, and doing everything ‘right,’” said Barnes. “Each time, the shock is the same, followed quickly by the same question: Why weren’t we screening sooner? Waiting until age 40 for insurance-covered breast cancer screening creates a dangerous gap that leaves too many women and families unprotected during a period when early detection can be the difference between life and death. This bill recognizes what so many families have already learned the hard way: breast cancer does not wait until 40, and access to life-saving care shouldn’t either. Lowering the screening age to 35 is a common-sense, preventative step that puts people’s lives ahead of outdated insurance policies.”

The bill was filed Feb. 4, and awaits committee assignment.