New Breast Imaging Legislation Set to Benefit Thousands Across Pennsylvania
Breast Imaging Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, has recently praised Representative Gina Curry (D–Delaware) for her efforts to collaborate with the organization in championing new legislation aimed at ensuring equitable access to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging.
The bill, which eliminates the financial obstacles many patients face when trying to access vital breast cancer screenings, has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer care in Pennsylvania. The legislation addresses a critical need, as breast cancer remains a leading cause of death and a prevalent Breast Imaging diagnosis across the state.
In 2025 alone, more than 13,650 individuals are expected to be Breast Imaging diagnosed with breast cancer in Pennsylvania, and approximately 1,800 people are projected to die from the disease.
For many patients, the financial burden associated with Breast Imaging diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging procedures—including mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds—can be astronomical, with out-of-pocket costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This heavy financial burden often forces patients to make difficult decisions about their health, either sacrificing essential screenings or forgoing them altogether.
In many cases, skipping these critical procedures results in delayed diagnoses, meaning patients may not catch breast cancer until it has advanced to a more dangerous stage. Early detection is key to improving survival rates, and by eliminating these costs, this new legislation could make a significant difference in saving lives.
“Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that could help detect breast cancer early because of the cost,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Yet, thousands of Pennsylvanians make that decision every year, often with devastating consequences.
This bill will eliminate the financial barriers that many face when trying to access diagnostic and supplemental imaging. Removing this obstacle is an essential step toward achieving equitable access to healthcare, which could ultimately save lives by enabling earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer.”
Rep. Curry’s HB 433 bill seeks to eliminate patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging procedures, such as MRIs and ultrasounds. These imaging procedures are often required when a mammogram reveals an abnormality, or when an individual is considered to be at a higher risk for breast cancer.
Without diagnostic imaging, it’s impossible to determine if the patient requires a biopsy or further treatment. However, the high cost of these tests often deters patients from following through with these recommended procedures, which can result in undiagnosed or untreated cancer.
By removing financial barriers, HB 433 will give more people access to the imaging they need without the looming threat of unaffordable medical bills. This legislation represents an opportunity to prevent the escalation of health issues, as early-stage breast cancer Breast Imaging diagnoses are far easier and less expensive to treat compared to more advanced cases.
Many individuals who forgo these necessary imaging procedures do so out of financial necessity, but the outcome is often devastating: a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which leads to higher mortality rates and significantly increased treatment costs later on.
“Eliminating out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging is not just about improving healthcare—it’s about saving lives,” said Representative Gina Curry. “By removing the financial barriers to these critical follow-up tests, we are ensuring that no one has to choose between their health and their finances.
This is an important step in addressing inequities in our healthcare system, and it’s one that will ultimately save lives while reducing the long-term healthcare costs for everyone.”
A recent study commissioned by Susan G. Komen revealed that out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging can range significantly, with patients paying anywhere from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. These costs can be overwhelming for many individuals, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, making it impossible for them to afford the imaging that could save their lives.
In fact, a recent study published in the journal Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients indicated they would skip follow-up imaging if it required paying a deductible. This is a stark indication of the financial burden faced by patients, and it speaks to the urgent need for legislative change to make diagnostic and supplemental imaging more accessible.
These tests are particularly important for individuals who are at high risk for breast cancer or those who have already been diagnosed with the disease. For patients who have already been through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, regular follow-up imaging is critical for monitoring any recurrence or detecting new developments.
When these individuals are forced to delay or skip imaging due to financial constraints, their health and well-being are compromised. This bill seeks to close the gap in access to care by ensuring that all Pennsylvanians—regardless of their financial situation—can receive timely and necessary breast imaging.
The new legislation is a crucial step toward reducing the disparities in healthcare access that disproportionately affect low-income individuals and communities of color. Studies have shown that breast cancer outcomes are often worse for these populations, in part because they are less likely to receive timely and appropriate screenings and diagnostic imaging. By removing the financial barriers to these critical services, the legislation aims to level the playing field, giving everyone the opportunity for early detection and treatment, regardless of their income or insurance status.
In addition to improving patient outcomes, this bill is expected to reduce the overall healthcare costs associated with treating late-stage breast cancer. Early detection through regular screening and diagnostic imaging leads to less aggressive treatments, fewer hospitalizations, and better long-term health outcomes. By catching breast cancer at an earlier stage, healthcare providers can offer patients more targeted and less invasive treatment options, which ultimately reduce the financial strain on the healthcare system.
As the legislation progresses through the Pennsylvania General Assembly, advocates are optimistic that it will receive the support it needs to pass into law. With the backing of organizations like Susan G. Komen, as well as passionate policymakers like Rep.
Curry, the bill has gained significant traction among legislators. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that the legislation is not only passed but fully implemented to reach those who need it the most.
“If this bill becomes law, it will have an immeasurable impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians,” said Guthrie. “It’s not just about eliminating a financial burden—it’s about making sure that everyone has access to the care they need when they need it most. In the fight against breast cancer, early detection is the key to survival. We are hopeful that this bill will pave the way for a future where no one has to make the impossible choice between their health and their finances.”
The new breast imaging legislation introduced by Representative Gina Curry represents a critical step toward ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to the life-saving breast cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging they need. By eliminating out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary procedures like MRIs and ultrasounds, the bill will help to break down financial barriers that have long stood in the way of early breast cancer detection.
For thousands of individuals across the state, this legislation has the potential to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and promote equity in healthcare access. With continued support from lawmakers, healthcare organizations, and the public, Pennsylvania could soon be a model for the nation in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and affordable breast cancer screenings, no matter their financial situation.
