This bill requires health care professionals to order bilateral ultrasounds concurrently with mammograms when necessary and mandates that insurance providers cover the costs of both services. It amends existing laws to ensure that these services are included in the benefits provided under various health insurance contracts, such as those from hospital service corporations and individual health insurance policies. The new legal language specifically mandates coverage for additional testing, including ultrasound evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and three-dimensional mammography, when ordered alongside a mammogram by a health care provider.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that health maintenance organizations and health benefit plans provide coverage for these additional tests under the same conditions as other medical services, while also allowing for utilization review of the medical necessity of the screenings. The bill is designed to enhance breast cancer screening and ensure comprehensive care for women without imposing additional financial burdens from insurance providers. It is set to take effect four months after enactment, with the Commissioner of Health authorized to adopt necessary regulations for implementation.

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, 17B:27A-19.13, 26:2J-4.4, 52:14-17.29