Rep. Denson announces bipartisan Breast Cancer Screening Modernization Legislation

Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) today introduced House Bill (HB) 371, bipartisan legislation to improve breast cancer screening through modernized technology.

HB 371 extends mammography coverage to include advanced screening with tomosynthesis (3D mammography). Furthermore, it requires Medicaid and commercial insurance plans to cover the cost of supplemental breast cancer screenings for adult women who have dense breast tissue or elevated risk for breast cancer. 

“I am honored to advocate for such an essential bill in the fight against breast cancer,” said Rep. Denson. “By increasing access and awareness, this legislation will ultimately save lives through early detection.”

HB 371 will also update the patient notification letter guidelines for women who have been classified to have dense breast tissue. By updating this notification, women will be made aware of the risk associated with dense breast tissue as well as the supplemental screenings that can be vital to the early detection of breast cancer.

“The goal of this legislation is to provide access to advanced screening for breast cancer in Ohio,” said Ann Brown, MD, UC Health breast radiologist and Assistant Professor of Radiology at the UC College of Medicine. “We're excited to advocate for a lifesaving law like this because it would give women access to tests that can detect breast cancer earlier, when it is more easily treated. There are access-to-care issues in our community and many patients cannot afford to pay for such tests out-of-pocket. This will have an important impact for women with dense breasts and women who are at increased risk for developing breast cancer across our state.”

The bill awaits its first hearing in the House.