Bill Number: HR 6182 | Origin Chamber: House | Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | Policy Area: Health
Expands no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and many co-sponsors.
Introduced, in multiple committees, no votes yet.
The 'Find It Early Act' aims to ensure health plans cover additional breast cancer screenings without co-pays for people at higher risk or with dense breast tissue. It was introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) along with a large bipartisan group of co-sponsors. The bill is currently in several House committees, meaning it's under review before it can move forward for a vote.
This bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to five different committees: Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs. These committees must review and approve the bill before it can be considered for a vote by the full House. If it passes the House, it would then move to the Senate for their review and vote, and finally to the President to become law.
Starting January 1, 2026, if you are at higher risk for breast cancer or have dense breast tissue, your health insurance plan, including private plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA benefits, would be required to cover specific advanced breast screenings with no out-of-pocket costs. This includes advanced options like breast ultrasounds, MRIs, and 3D mammograms, as recommended by cancer network guidelines. Even if not specifically high-risk, a doctor could determine you need these no-cost screenings due to your age, race, ethnicity, or family medical history.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue that eliminating costs for advanced screenings will lead to earlier cancer detection and save lives.
Critics Say
Critics may raise concerns about the financial impact on health plans or the scope of what constitutes high-risk screening.
Proponents of the 'Find It Early Act' believe that removing financial barriers to advanced breast cancer screenings, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, will encourage more individuals at higher risk to get tested. This could lead to earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, which often results in more effective treatment and improved survival rates. The bill aims to standardize coverage across various health plans.