Urges Bipartisan Support and Swift Passage, Allowing Women Access to Life-Saving Diagnostic Exams Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, applauds Representatives Patty Acomb (D-Minnetonka), and co-sponsors Heather Edelson (D-Edina), and Cheryl Youakim (D-Hopkins) for their leadership on vitally important diagnostic breast imaging legislation. The proposed bills would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging following an abnormal mammogram result or other medically-necessary purposes. “This legislation is an important step forward for women in Minnesota,” said Molly Guthrie, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “We see first-hand that women face hundreds to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for needed diagnostic imaging. As a result, many women do not seek care until the cancer has spread – making it deadlier and more expensive to treat. A woman should not have to choose between paying her electric bill or getting a medically-necessary ultrasound. This life-saving legislation will ensure timely access to diagnosis and treatment.” Millions of women throughout the United States can access free, preventive screening mammography under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, if the results of a mammogram reveal an abnormality, follow-up diagnostic exams (such as an MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic mammogram) are needed to determine if the patient has breast cancer. Those exams can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs – all before treatment even begins. An estimated 12 percent of patients who receive annual screening mammograms get called back for diagnostic imaging. In Minnesota, 4,850 women are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and an estimated 640 will die of the disease this year alone. “As a breast cancer survivor, I know first-hand how important early detection can be,” said Representative Acomb. “This bill will ensure no-cost diagnostic testing so hopefully all women can have the positive outcome I had.” A Komen-commissioned study found the costs to patients for diagnostic tests range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to $1,021 for a breast MRI. Out-of-pocket costs are particularly burdensome to those who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, as diagnostic tests are often recommended rather than traditional screening mammography. Contact Us 1-972-855-4382 press@komen.org << Previous Post Susan G. Komen® Announces $500,000... Amanda DeBard Read More Next Post >> Susan G. Komen® Commends Introduction... Amanda DeBard Read More Related Stories Previous Next Komen Blog Knowing Your Family Health History... Read More Komen Blog An Opportunity To Live Read More Komen Blog The Racial Injustice of Breast... Read More Komen Blog Mortality Rates for Black Women... Read More Komen Blog Komen’s 2021-2022 Advocacy Priorities Seek... Read More Komen Blog Tips for Living a Healthy... Read More Komen Blog Breast Cancer, No Longer Your... Read More Komen Blog When Pink is Just Another... Read More Komen Blog Social Justice Is An Issue... Read More Komen Blog Who’s Your One: Cathy and... Read More Komen Blog Genetics Helps Us Better Understand... Read More Komen Blog Susan G. Komen and Natura... Read More Komen Blog Made Strong Read More Komen Blog Chaunte Lowe Knows How to... Read More Komen Blog Komen Helped Me When I... Read More Komen Blog This Promising Researcher Hopes to... Read More Komen Blog Cherishing Every Moment Read More Komen Blog The Susan G. Komen 3-Day... Read More Komen Blog Knowing Your Family Health History... Read More Komen Blog An Opportunity To Live Read More Komen Blog The Racial Injustice of Breast... Read More Komen Blog Mortality Rates for Black Women... Read More Komen Blog Komen’s 2021-2022 Advocacy Priorities Seek... Read More Komen Blog Tips for Living a Healthy... Read More Komen Blog Breast Cancer, No Longer Your... Read More Komen Blog When Pink is Just Another... Read More Komen Blog Social Justice Is An Issue... Read More Komen Blog Does Pregnancy Affect Breast Cancer... Read More Komen Blog Research Badge Read More Komen Blog This Promising Researcher Hopes to... Read More Komen Blog Kindness Comes Full Circle Read More Komen Blog House Lawmakers Breaking Down the... Read More Komen Blog Preventive Surgery for Women at... Read More Komen Blog Cancer Isn’t About Winning Or... Read More Komen Blog Patients and doctors should discuss... Read More Komen Blog Black Women in US Most... Read More