Lawmakers recognized the importance of breast cancer screening when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provided millions of women across the country with access to no-cost screening mammography. However, for women at increased risk of cancer due to family history or a genetic predisposition, an annual mammogram starting at age 40 simply isn’t enough. Similarly, sometimes a screening mammogram leads to follow-up imaging. Patients are often faced with hundreds to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for supplemental screening or diagnostic exams such as breast MRIs or ultrasounds. 

People who are unable to afford the costs associated with high-risk, supplemental or diagnostic breast imaging might delay or forego needed testing. This delay may allow cancer to progress, ultimately being diagnosed at a later stage when it is deadlier and more costly to treat. Over two dozen states have passed laws ensuring access to these crucial tests with no age or frequency restrictions, at no cost to the patient. We need a national law to ensure access for everyone who needs it, regardless of where they live.

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act would eliminate financial barriers that prevent people from accessing vitally important, guideline-recommended breast imaging. 

Urge your Members of Congress to support this important legislation today!