BISMARCK, N.D. -- The North Dakota House Business, Industry and Labor Committee on Wednesday gave a “do pass recommendation” on legislation that, if successfully passed, will lead to better outcomes in the fight against breast cancer.
House Bill 1283, sponsored by Rep. Karen Karls of Bismarck, 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 North 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.
“North Dakota patients should not face large out-of-pocket costs to detect breast cancer early,” Karls said. “Early detection saves lives and money and other states that have done this, like Montana, have found that the finances make sense.”
HB 1283 now moves on to the House Appropriations Committee before heading to a full floor vote in the House and would then head to the Senate for final approval.