HARRISBURG – Building on Pennsylvania’s landmark law that provides no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, Senate Bill 88, co-prime sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), was unanimously advanced by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. This legislation expands coverage for diagnostic screenings, ensuring that individuals who find an abnormality on a supplemental screening—under Act 1 of 2023, which Pennycuick also co-prime sponsored—can receive a diagnostic screening at no cost. Additionally, SB 88 broadens the range of supplemental screenings available to Pennsylvanians.
Senate Bill 88 addresses a critical gap by extending no-cost coverage not only to high-risk individuals but also to those at average risk of developing breast cancer. By aligning state law with federal guidance from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the bill will expand access to lifesaving early detection tools—without cost-sharing—for thousands of Pennsylvanians.
“The health and well-being of Pennsylvanians must be a priority, especially when it comes to early detection of breast cancer,” said Senator Pennycuick. “This bill builds on our state’s historic leadership by removing financial barriers so that all individuals—regardless of risk level—have access to the diagnostic screenings they need without worrying about cost. I’m proud to continue fighting for policies that save lives.”
This legislation builds on Act 1 of 2023, which Pennycuick also co-prime sponsored, that eliminated all out-of-pocket costs for supplemental breast screenings for women at increased risk of breast cancer, as well as all costs related to BRCA genetic counseling and testing for those at heightened cancer risk.
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society have expressed strong support for the bill, which faces no opposition from insurers. SB 88 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388