Legislation Eliminates Financial Barriers to Critical Breast Imaging, Would Help Thousands Across South Carolina Afford Care They Require

Susan G. Komen^® Applauds Bill Introduction, Urges Quick Passage

COLUMBIA - Susan G. Komen^®, the world's leading breast cancer organization applauds Senator Tameika Isaac Devine (D-Richland) for joining Representative Sylleste Davis (R-Berkeley) in introducing legislation to ensure equitable access to required diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, by eliminating the financial barriers patients face in accessing needed breast cancer screening.

The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, often force individuals to make significant financial sacrifices or forego tests that can confirm or rule out cancer.

"Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of South Carolinians are forced to make that decision every year," said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. "This bill will remove the financial barrier so that individuals can get the medically necessary breast imaging they need without having to endure financial burdens. This is a pivotal step toward reducing overall health care costs by enabling earlier detection, more timely treatment and better outcomes."

Unfortunately, when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at higher risk of breast cancer, diagnostic and supplemental imaging is required to complete their early detection process. SB 820 introduced by Sen. Devine eliminates the patient's out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging such as breast MRIs and ultrasounds.

"No woman should have to choose between her health and her household budget. By removing cost-sharing for breast cancer imaging, this bill ensures that early detection is based on medical need and not financial means," said Sen. Devine. "Early diagnosis saves lives, and this legislation helps us do that."

A Komen-commissioned study found out-of-pockets costs for patients to range from $234 for a diagnostic mammogram to more than $1,000 for a breast MRI. Another recent study published in Radiology found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay a deductible. By eliminating burdensome financial barriers to comprehensive preventive care, we can drive earlier detection, improve outcomes, reduce the overall costs to the health care system and create a healthier more productive workforce.