The 2026 state legislative sessions have seen early activity on cancer screening policy, with proposals largely focused on reducing patient cost-sharing for breast cancer screening and follow-up imaging, improving coverage requirements for high-risk or dense-breast populations and improving access to colorectal cancer screening.
AL Senate Bill (SB) 177 would require health benefit plans that cover breast cancer screening or diagnostic imaging to do so without any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. If the measure passes, it would take effect Oct. 1.
FL SB 1494 would require certain health insurance policies to provide comprehensive breast cancer screening coverage, including baseline mammograms for women ages 35–39, biennial mammograms for women ages 40–49, and annual mammograms for women age 50 and older. For individuals at increased risk, the bill contemplates access to supplemental screening (e.g., MRI, ultrasound, or molecular imaging) and allows insurers to offer enhanced coverage without deductibles or coinsurance upon request, with an additional premium permitted for enhanced option. The bill passed the Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously Feb. 4.
GA HB 1211 would require Georgia health benefit policies to cover colorectal cancer screening, examinations, and laboratory tests in accordance with guidelines from recognized organizations (including ACR®, American Cancer Society, the American College of Gastroenterology, NCCN, USPSTF, and CMS coverage determinations).
HI HB 1969 would enhance access to colorectal cancer screening by establishing state-funded financial assistance for residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or ineligible for Medicaid, and by requiring accident and health insurers to cover colorectal screenings consistent with USPSTF recommendations. The measure was reported by the HLT/HSH committee as amended Feb. 9 and referred for further consideration.
IL HB 5001 would require health insurance policies to cover mammograms without patient cost-sharing. The bill was filed in the House Feb.5.
IL SB 3668 would direct Medicaid to provide mammography services for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, with additional provisions addressing related reimbursement and access considerations. The bill was filed in the Senate Feb. 4.
KS SB 409 would require individual and group health insurance policies, medical service plans, and HMOs to eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations, with an applicability date tied to policies delivered, issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. A hearing was held Feb. 2.
UT HB 468 would prohibit health benefit plans from imposing cost-sharing (e.g., copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums) for certain breast examinations that detect breast cancer. The bill was referred to House Rules Feb. 3.
WI AB 263 and WI SB 264 would require health insurance policies (including certain self-insured governmental plans and Wisconsin Medicaid) to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast screening examinations for individuals at increased risk or with dense breast tissue without cost-sharing, subject to federal HSA compatibility limitations. AB 263 was amended and passed the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and referred to the Rules Committee on Jan. 21. SB 264 was introduced in the Senate Feb. 4.
WV HB 5241 would require comprehensive coverage for breast cancer screening, including baseline mammograms for women ages 30–39, annual mammograms for women age 40 and older, and additional ultrasound screening for women at increased risk (including dense breast tissue, family history, or genetic factors). The bill was filed for introduction on Feb. 5 and would apply to policies issued, reissued, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.
For any state society looking to advance breast health related legislation, ACR’s Government Relations Committee of the Breast Imaging Commission is ready to assist with review and feedback. For more information, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Relations Director.
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