BISMARCK, N.D. –– A week after receiving a “do not pass” in committee, House Bill 1283 passed the full Senate on Monday behind strong Senate voices who took a stand on behalf of North Dakotans who might need additional breast cancer screenings beyond mammograms.
HB 1283, sponsored by Rep. Karen Karls of Bismarck, would provide peace of mind for many when it comes to breast cancer diagnostics. It now moves on the Senate Appropriations for review before coming back to the Senate floor for final approval. Sens. Judy Lee (West Fargo), Janne Mrydal (Edinburg), Chuck Walen (New Town), Jeff Barta (Grand Forks) and Ryan Braunburger (Fargo) provided strong stewardship on the issue, cutting a path of advocacy for the many North Dakotans who might need supplemental diagnostic screening in the future.
In addition to thanking the strong leadership voices in both chambers, Ben Hanson, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in North Dakota, said the Senate’s recognition of the deep need for this legislation was encouraging: “This legislation will save the lives of North Dakotans should it become law. Thanks to these Senators, we’re more optimistic than ever about that possibility.”
Not all North Dakotans get everything they need from mammograms and many require follow-up testing because of an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram or supplemental imaging because of certain risk factors. The steps needed for a clean bill of health 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.
HB 1283 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 at no-cost-share when deemed medically necessary by their physician.
“North Dakota patients should not face large out-of-pocket costs to detect breast cancer early,” said Rep. Karen Karls, who sponsored the bill. “Early detection saves lives and money and other states that have done this, like Montana, have found that the finances make sense.”