PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota legislators begin a new session today and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network advocates will urge them to take the opportunity to assure those at risk for breast cancer have the tools needed for early detection and defeat of the disease.
Regular mammograms are an invaluable tool in detection of breast cancer. Younger women in South Dakota are doing relatively well in this regard, with nearly 72% of women 40-plus reporting a mammogram in the past two years, ranking 18th among the 50 states and Puerto Rico. That number is just less than 73% with the higher-risk demographic of women 50-plus, 43rd in the nation, which highlights a need for greater access and education on the issue.
Further, many South Dakotans still do not get all they need from mammograms. Many women need follow-up testing because of an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram or supplemental imaging because of high risk factors. The steps needed for full peace of mind can cost thousands out of pocket. These patients are often put in position of choosing between a full medical workup or paying for a month’s worth of groceries.
The legislation, to be sponsored by Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer of Aberdeen, would require all state-regulated health policies to eliminate patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. It would require breast diagnostic mammograms (x-rays), breast ultrasounds, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans be covered by insurers at no-cost-share when they meet certain criteria. It would allow South Dakotans to complete the full continuum of breast cancer screening without having to make excruciating financial choices about basic daily needs over their long-term health.
“I am very excited to bring forth this life saving piece of legislation,” Schaefbauer said. “Preventative screening is shown to saves lives and lower future health care costs. I would never want a patient to forgo screening because a testing mechanism is not covered which the health care provider deems medically necessary due to the uniqueness of her person, family history or anatomy. My hope is that we in the South Dakota legislature can assist in this important preventative care legislation.”
ACS CAN volunteers look forward to meeting with lawmakers and urging them to pass this important legislation during Day at the Capitol in Pierre on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
“Beyond the financial barrier, which is significant, doctors need to be able to quickly get their patients the care they need as bureaucratic delays can be life threatening,” ACS CAN South Dakota Government Relations Director Ben Hanson said. “Early detection saves lives and money and other states that have done this, like Montana, have found the financial side of it makes sense.”
ACS CAN will also urge lawmakers to respect the will of South Dakota voters who voted overwhelmingly to establish a tobacco tax in 2006 and designate $5 million to the tobacco cessation program that has served the state and produced better health outcomes for nearly two decades. Unfortunately, Gov. Noem has taken an ax to this voter-established program trying to rob Peter to pay Paul and reassigning $3 million from tobacco taxes to the state’s general fund. We hope South Dakota legislators see this for what it is: a budget gimmick to grow the state’s general fund using dollars South Dakota voters allocated to the health and well-being of South Dakotans. Teens are particularly at risk as they use highly addictive e-cigarettes at nearly double the national average.
“Big Tobacco pours in millions and absolutely targets our kids. They invest this money here because they know it creates customers for life. Nearly 70% of adults who smoke want to quit, but quitting is hard,” Hanson said. “Well-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs provide the support needed to help people quit, and to help prevent kids and young adults from ever using tobacco in the first place.”
ACS CAN encourages individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in getting involved in the fight against cancer to visit https://www.fightcancer.org/states/south-dakota