A bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives earlier this week would provide free screening mammograms in the state to women between 40 and 49.
HB1606: The Women's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act was introduced by Rep. George Kenney, who said that the American Cancer Society recommends that women receive yearly mammograms at age 40, although the state Department of Health only provides for access to mammograms and pelvic exams for uninsured and underinsured women ages 50 to 64. He said that his legislation intends to expand access to early breast and cervical cancer screening for those women ages 40 to 49 that are medically underserved.
Under the proposed legislation, women between 40 to 49 years of age who have a family income not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty level and no other access to health insurance coverage would be eligible for screening mammograms, clinical breast examinations, Pap tests, and pelvic examinations. Women younger than 40 with a family history that necessitates annual screening services would also be eligible, according to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, which issued a statement in support of the legislation.
The screening services would be administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, under the approval of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NBCCEDP). The bill has bipartisan support within the House, and Governor Edward Rendell has agreed to sign the legislation once it has been passed by both chambers.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
June 17, 2005
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