BILL NUMBER: S7280
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to reducing the age of
receiving annual mammograms for persons enrolled in certain large group
policies
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would increase access to annual breast exams for New Yorker's
aged thirty through thirty-five.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Provides that this act shall be known as "Shannon's Law"
Section 2. Amends subparagraph (A) of paragraph 11 of subsection (i) of
§ 3221 of the insurance law to require large group policy that provides
coverage for hospital, surgical, or medical care to provide coverage for
an annual mammogram for covered persons aged thirty through thirty-nine
upon the recommendation of a physician, subject to medical necessity.
Section 3. Amends paragraph 1 of subsection (p) of § 4303 of the insur-
ance law to require large group contract offered by medical expense
indemnity corporation, hospital service corporation or health service
corporation that provides coverage for hospital, surgical or medical
care to provide coverage for an annual mammogram for covered persons
aged thirty through thirty-nine upon the recommendation of a physician,
subject to medical necessity.
Section 4. Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In 2019 the legislature took action to increase access to mammograms for
women aged 35 through 39, but it is not enough. In the United States, 1
in 196 women under age 40 receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, and
women ages 15 to 34 die more frequently from breast cancer than any
other. In Suffolk and Nassau counties alone, there is at least one new
breast cancer diagnosis every week. This bill amends Shannon's law to
lower the age insurers are required to cover mammograms from 35 to 30.
The current age barrier for young women to access mammograms results in
delayed diagnoses, leading to worse health outcomes. We need to give
young women the opportunity to seek early detection and the lifesaving
power of intervention.
By offering mammograms at a younger age we can also promote the serious-
ness of breast health to young women so they understand the importance
of screening and monitoring changes to their body. We must develop a
proactive attitude toward early detection and preventative care. Breast
cancer is an epidemic, revising the current mammogram age recommenda-
tions has benefits far outweighing the risks.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect and shall apply to policies and contracts
issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such effective
date.

Statutes affected:
S7280: 3221 insurance law, 3221(l) insurance law, 4303 insurance law, 4303(p) insurance law