Take Action on Wisconsin Senate Bill 121/ Assembly Bill 117
Ask your state legislators to support breast cancer screening and diagnostics legislation |
SB 121 was introduced in the Senate on March 8, 2023 by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara and Representative Nate Gustafson. AB 117 was introduced in the Assembly on March 24. This important legislation will require insurers to cover – without cost sharing – all essential screening and diagnostic tests for women who have dense breasts or are at high risk due to genetics or strong family history
Our state law requires women to be notified after a mammogram if they have dense breast tissue. This condition can not only hide tumors on a mammogram, but is also an independent risk factor for development of breast cancer. About 40% of women in Wisconsin have dense breasts. Technology exists that would make these “hidden” tumors visible, allowing them to be caught early before they become life threatening. Ultrasound and MRI both catch early tumors more than mammography alone in this situation. Insurers, though, often won’t cover the recommended additional screenings for women with this condition. This creates an inequity in access to care between women who can afford the high out-of-pocket costs for these tests and women who can’t. PLEASE CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT SB 121 / AB 117. The senate bill currently has 35 bipartisan cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Health Committee for a hearing. We need broad support to move both bills forward! Find your Senator and Representative and their contact information here under “Who are my legislators?” Just enter your address. Give the staffer your name and address when you call and simply tell them you would like your Senator/Representative to support SB 121 / AB 117 – and why you want them to. We all hear about how “early detection saves lives.” This bill would increase the chances of that happening for nearly half of Wisconsin women. Thank you for helping save lives! |
Looking for additional ways to support this legislation? Consider joining us in Madison for State Advocacy Day on April 19. |