BELLEVILLE, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting a new law that will expand insurance coverage for diagnostic mammograms.

“Early detection is vital to increasing the odds of survival of breast cancer,” said Hoffman. “When a medical professional deems that a follow-up diagnostic mammogram is necessary, patients should be able to seek the care they need without fear of racking up huge out-of-pocket costs.”

Hoffman supported Senate Bill 162, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and will expand preventative care to cover diagnostic mammograms, ensuring that there is no cost sharing or copayment for patients. 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. Hoffman also supported a state budget that protects funding for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), providing low-income women with free cancer screenings.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40 to 44 should consult their regular physician about their personal risk factors for breast cancer, which can include aging, alcohol consumption, family history, an inactive lifestyle and obesity. For women ages 45 to 54, the ACS recommends receiving an annual mammogram and that women older than 55 switch to receive mammograms every other year, unless a doctor recommends more frequent screening.

“Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women,” continued Hoffman. “I will continue working to build a stronger Illinois by ensuring access to affordable health care for families across the state.”

For more information, please call Rep. Hoffman’s constituent service office at 618-416-7407 or email RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To promote the safety and health of all women, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is encouraging Illinois women to seek out the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides Illinois women with access to screenings for residents who cannot afford this essential health care coverage.   

“I recognize how important it is for all women to have access to health care, which is why I recently fought to allow families to have insurance coverage for babies that need human breast milk in order to increase their health from a medically fragile condition,” Stuart said. “Whether it be for nursing or personal health, women should be allowed to have access to screenings and other essential health care services for little or no cost.”

The Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Not only does this service allow uninsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64 accessibility to various exams, but if the resident is diagnosed with cancer, they would be eligible to accept treatment benefits. For more information, please visit www.dph.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Women’s Health-Line at 1-888-522-1282.

“This program allows Illinois women access to exams such as breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, and Pap tests that they otherwise may not be able to afford on their own,” continued Stuart. “Routine breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings can allow a woman to save her life if cancer is detected or allow her peace of mind knowing that her body is cancer-free.”

LOMBARD, Ill. – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, is collecting new knitted hats, wool socks and buff headbands for local breast cancer patients in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“It’s important for our community to rally behind our neighbors who are bravely fighting this disease every single day,” said Costa Howard. “When women with breast cancer wear these hats, headbands and socks, they’ll feel our warm wishes and they’ll know they have an army of supporters who are with them every step of the way.”

Costa Howard is accepting donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her constituent services office, at 913 S. Main St. in Lombard. Residents may arrange an alternative donation time by calling 630-812-9292 or emailing RepTCH48@gmail.com. Donations will be accepted at least through the end of October.

“In Springfield, I’m working to protect vital funding for programs that provide all Illinois women with access to affordable cancer screenings and treatment,” Costa Howard added. “I’m proud to be a leader in this fight on behalf of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.”

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.”

PEORIA, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is  drawing attention to the availability of free breast cancer screenings and treatment options for low-income women.

“Far too many women in Illinois are not aware that free screening options for breast cancer are available,” Gordon-Booth said. “No woman should have to suffer through the devastating effects of breast cancer because they could not afford screening or treatment.”

Gordon-Booth is highlighting the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which provides free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams for low-income women. Patients enrolled in the program are also eligible for treatment benefits. The IBCCP is open to uninsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64. Women can find out more about the program at IDPH’s breast cancer screening website, cancerscreening.illinois.gov or by calling the state’s Women’s Health Line toll-free at 888-522-1282.

“The Illinois Breast and Cervical Program allows women to receive breast cancer screening exams and treatment, regardless of their income,” Gordon-Booth. “This critical program can mean the difference between life and death for women who can’t otherwise afford health care services. During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage women to check their eligibility for free breast cancer screenings.”

PEORIA, Ill. – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting the importance of early detection for breast cancer and a new law that expands mammogram coverage in Illinois.

“Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women,” Gordon-Booth said. “We need to have frank and open conversations about the risk factors for breast cancer as well as raising awareness of recommended screening guidelines for early detection.”

American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations state that women ages 40 to 44 should consult their regular physician about their personal risk factors for breast cancer, which can include aging, alcohol consumption, family history, an inactive lifestyle and obesity. For women ages 45 to 54, the ACS recommends receiving an annual mammogram and that women older than 55 switch to receiving mammograms every other year, unless a doctor recommends more frequent screening.

Gordon-Booth backed Senate Bill 162 to help expand health insurance coverage for mammograms. Health insurance companies in Illinois are now required to cover both screening and diagnostic mammograms as part of preventative care coverage. Previously, only screening mammograms were covered as part of preventative care and if a doctor saw or suspected an abnormality, a follow-up diagnostic mammogram procedure would be ordered, but not considered as part of preventative care. Under the new law backed by Gordon-Booth, diagnostic mammograms are considered part of preventive care and insurance companies are mandated to cover them with no co-pays, as mandated under the Affordable Care Act’s federal guidelines for preventative health care coverage.

“Early detection is critical for women who are at risk for breast cancer in order to provide proper treatment,” Gordon-Booth said. “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all women to consult with a doctor to understand their personal risk factors for breast cancer and to seek a mammogram if recommended.”

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is reminding residents that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With thousands of women in Illinois being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, Yingling wants community members to be aware of the issue and learn how they can take steps to reduce the risks that come with breast cancer.

“As someone whose parent is fighting a battle with cancer, I understand the toll that cancer can cause on individuals and families,” said Yingling. “Learning about breast cancer prevention is a key component of reducing the harm breast cancer can cause, and I implore everyone to take the time this month to learn how they can best protect themselves against this terrible disease.”

Over the past few years, Yingling has worked to protect Illinoisans against breast cancer in a variety of ways. During the budget impasse, Yingling fought tirelessly to pass a budget, citing the essential services that the state helps provide when it comes to preventative breast cancer care, including mammograms and other services. Recently, Yingling has been working to ban the use of ethylene oxide, a dangerous chemical that is linked to breast cancer.

“Our health and the health of our families is not something we can take for granted,” said Yingling. “While I work in Springfield to pass legislation to keep our communities as safe and healthy as possible, I hope that everyone can take a few minutes out of their day to learn about the steps they can take to keep themselves and their families healthy.”

DES PLAINES, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is highlighting his recent support for life-saving breast cancer screenings for women, as well as the Illinois Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) which provides free screenings to Illinois women who lack access to health care coverage.   

“Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent dangers women face in the United States,” said Moylan. “It is important that at risk women have access to free breast cancer screenings and treatment. Catching the cancer early can really save lives.”

Moylan is encouraging women in need to take advantage of the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program. The program is operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and provides eligible women free breast exams and mammograms, as well as Pap tests and pelvic exams. Women are eligible for these services if they are an uninsured Illinois resident between the ages of 35 and 64. Additionally, if someone who is enrolled in the IBCCP is diagnosed with cancer through the program’s screenings and tests, they would be able to receive treatment benefits. For more information, please visit www.dph.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Women’s Health-line at 1-888-522-1282.

On average, breast cancer affects about one in every eight women in the United States. That is why earlier this spring Moylan fought to support reforms to balance the budget while making sure to fund lifesaving breast cancer screenings for at-risk women.

“It is our responsibility to advocate for our community’s health while in Springfield, whether it is providing access to life-saving screenings or giving women in need the opportunity to be proactive with their own health,” said Moylan. “We worked hard this past spring to make sure we passed a balanced budget that included safeguards like the IBCCP to protect women and families.”

CHICAGO – As part of her efforts to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting the availability of free breast cancer screenings for Illinois women.

“Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is critical because it is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women,” Harper said. “Yet, far too many women in Illinois are not aware that free screening and treatment options are available.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) operates the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which offers free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams. The IBCCP also provides treatment benefits for enrolled patients. Women are eligible for IBCCP services if they are an uninsured Illinois resident between the ages of 35 and 64. Women can find out more information at IDPH’s breast cancer screening website, cancerscreening.illinois.gov and make enrollment inquiries by calling the state’s Women’s Health Line toll-free number at 888-522-1282.

“The Illinois Breast and Cervical Program allows women to receive life-saving exams and treatment, regardless of their income,” Harper said. “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage all women, especially those who are uninsured, to take advantage of the free screening resources available.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.

​SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is shining a light on a new law aiming to expand coverage for mammogram exams.

“It is common knowledge that early detection is critical when it comes to diagnosing and treating breast cancer,” said LaPointe. “The earlier the cancer is detected, the greater the survival rate. Expanding access to preventative care is and always will be the right thing to do.”

LaPointe is highlighting a new law, Senate Bill 162, which will expand financial coverage for mammogram exams. Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace plans must cover preventative services for women without charging a copay. Prior to this new law taking effect, mammogram screenings were considered preventative and were covered expenses, but diagnostic screenings were not covered.. As a result, a woman who may be able to access a routine mammogram exam with little to no charge could find herself not being able to cover any of the financial costs of a second mammogram exam should her primary physician order one to follow up on the initial screening. As a result, this does tremendous harm to women who may inevitably need additional screenings or may not have the financial resources to afford life-saving medical treatment.  

“Insurance companies know they can prey on patients’ vulnerabilities and desperation by intentionally blurring the lines when it comes to classifying different medical exams and treatments,” said LaPointe. “When it comes to women’s health, being able to access potentially life-saving care should not be decided by actuaries tasked with putting a price on a human life. It should be a given for women to afford any kind of medical exam that could mean the difference between life and death.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.