Pennsylvania House approves bill to eliminate cost‑sharing for diagnostic breast exams

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted on Nov. 18 to pass Senate Bill 88, a measure requiring health insurers to provide coverage for certain supplemental or diagnostic breast examinations without cost‑sharing. The clerk recorded 196 yeas and 7 nays, and the bill will be returned to the Senate.

Supporters said the bill closes a coverage gap left by prior law. Rep. Curry urged colleagues to back the measure, saying Act 1 of 2023 “took a meaningful step forward, but it did not finish the job,” and arguing patients with abnormal findings deserve immediate, barrier‑free diagnostic tests. “No Pennsylvanian should ever be forced to choose between a diagnostic breast exam and putting food on the table,” Curry said on the floor.

Proponents framed the change as removing financial obstacles at a critical moment—when a mammogram or clinical finding indicates further testing is needed. The clerk’s summary read on the floor described the bill as requiring insurers to cover multiple supplemental or diagnostic breast examinations without cost‑sharing.

The House proceeded under regular order; no floor amendments to the bill were recorded in the session’s transcript. With the constitutional majority recorded in favor, the House’s action sends the bill back to the Senate for further steps toward enactment.

The House also recognized members of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition who were in the chamber during consideration; advocates around the state have supported related coverage expansions in recent years. The next formal step is action by the Senate on the House’s message.