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Committee hears HB 1283 to eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging; insurers warn of premium impact
Summary
House Bill 1283 would require that follow‑up diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging be covered at no cost share. Supporters — including Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Society and radiologists — said the change would prevent delayed diagnosis; business groups and insurers raised concerns about premium increases and employer costs.
Representative Karen Carls opened the hearing on House Bill 1283, saying the bill would ensure follow‑up diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging and testing are provided at no cost share for patients when clinically necessary, including for high‑risk patients and those whose screening mammography requires additional imaging.
The nut: Supporters argued the measure removes financial barriers that keep insured patients from completing timely diagnostic work‑ups after screening mammograms and thereby improves early detection and reduces downstream treatment costs. Opponents, including business groups, said the mandate would raise employer and employee premiums and urged caution about expanding state‑regulated mandates to the private market.
Sponsor and advocacy testimony: Rep. Karen Carls said the North Dakota essential health benefits package already covers breast screening but that HB 1283 is a cost‑share bill designed to eliminate patient out‑of‑pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic follow‑up imaging. Bobbie Will, policy…
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