House Committee Begins Hearings on BEST Act

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) Tuesday provided sponsor testimony before the House Insurance Committee on the Breast Examination and Screening Transformation (BEST) Act, legislation to ensure that all Ohioans have access to the necessary screenings needed to detect breast cancer early. Schmidt is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.)

House Bill 271 will achieve the following:

• Clarify the definitions of “supplemental screening” and “diagnostic screening” to ensure doctors and health plans correctly identify the type of screening, avoiding issues with payments;
• Expand coverage to include diagnostic screenings, encouraging Ohioans to prioritize these exams in order to find out early if cancer is present; and
• Ensure that there are no out-of-pocket costs for patients for these screenings, removing financial barriers for potentially life-saving exams.

“Early detection is key in conquering cancer,” said Schmidt during sponsor testimony. “It is time for the barriers to be removed and encourage, not discourage, women and men to get these screenings.”

Schmidt also championed House Bill 371 during the 134th General Assembly. Signed into law in 2022, this measure expanded access to breast cancer screenings in Ohio and serves as the foundation for the BEST Act.

House Bill 271 awaits further consideration from the House Insurance Committee.