AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, that removes financial barriers to diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations by eliminating cost-sharing requirements, is now in effect.
The law went into effect on Oct. 25, 90 days following the end of the legislative session, which is standard for non-emergency legislation.
"With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we must recognize the importance of diagnostic and supplemental breast exams for breast cancer screening and prevention. This new law will save lives," said Mathieson. "By eliminating cost-sharing health insurance policies, we can ensure that Mainers have access to the care they need to stay healthy and prevent much more serious health issues from arising in the future. It is important to ensure that all women, regardless of their breast density or other risk factors, have access to comprehensive breast cancer screening exams when appropriate. With this legislation, cancers can be detected earlier, when it is most treatable, and ultimately help support the health and wellbeing of women and their families."
As amended, LD 1836 will prohibit individual and group health insurance policies from imposing any cost-sharing requirements on diagnostic breast examinations or supplemental breast examinations that are deemed medically necessary by a health care provider starting Jan. 1, 2024. The measure does not apply to a health plan offered for use with a health savings account.
"Women are afraid to incur a significant financial burden due to the cost of this life-saving diagnostic exam," said Dr. Amanda Lewis, a breast radiologist and president of the Maine Radiological Society, in her testimony in support of the bill at its public hearing. "Finding cancers earlier gives a better chance for cure and leads to fewer devastating radical mastectomies and less patients needing chemotherapy, both expensive interventions. This is one piece of legislation where you can and will save lives."
Mathieson is serving her second term in the Maine House representing Kittery. She serves on the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee and the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Mathieson], c. 305-965-2744