On behalf of the New York State Radiological Society’s Breast Imaging and Government Affairs Committees, we would like to share that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to expand insurance coverage of supplemental breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging. The Society has advocated strongly in support of this legislation, working with the legislative bill sponsors to strengthen the bill, and urging Governor Hochul to sign it into law.
Marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor Hochul enacted S2465-C, Persaud/A1696-C, Hunter, which will require individual, group, and non-profit (including HMO) health insurance plans to cover supplemental breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging utilizing mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI. This coverage applies if a physician recommends it based on nationally recognized clinical guidelines. Clinical guidelines by the American College of Radiology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Society of Breast Imaging, and The American Society of Breast Surgeons contain recommendations for supplemental screening for patients at higher risk of developing breast cancer, including those who have dense breast tissue, patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer, and BRCA gene carriers. The effective date of this legislation is January 1, 2026.
The New York State Radiological Society thanks the legislative sponsors, Senator Roxanne Persaud and Assembly member Pamela Hunter for championing this legislation, and Governor Hochul for signing it into law. Most importantly, we’d like to thank you for answering our calls for advocacy throughout the legislative process in support of this bill. Your emails, calls, and outreach have truly made a difference, bringing about the enactment of this legislation which will help patients across New York access these lifesaving imaging services!
Announcement on Governor Kathy Hochul’s website 👆🏾