This bill mandates that health care professionals must order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently with mammograms for patients, ensuring that insurers provide coverage for both services. It amends existing laws to include coverage for ultrasound evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging scans, three-dimensional mammography, or other additional testing of the entire breast or breasts when ordered alongside a mammogram. This addition enhances the current provisions that cover baseline mammograms and additional testing based on specific medical criteria, aiming to improve breast cancer screening and ensure comprehensive diagnostic services for women.

Furthermore, the bill requires health care providers involved in breast cancer diagnosis or treatment to order these additional tests concurrently with mammograms for women with specific risk factors. It also mandates that health maintenance organizations and health benefit plans cover these tests under the same conditions as other medical services. The bill removes previous language that did not require the concurrent ordering of additional tests with mammograms, thereby strengthening the coverage requirements. It is set to take effect four months after enactment, applying to all relevant contracts and policies issued or renewed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17:48E-35.4, 17B:26-2.1, 17B:27-46.1, 17B:27A-7.10, 52:14-17.29