Dear MSCO member, I write with good news for oncologists and our patients!
“An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection” has been signed into law. Chapter 231 of the Acts of 2025 will require health plans regulated by the Commonwealth to cover medically necessary screening and diagnostic breast imaging including diagnostic mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), breast ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with no out-of-pocket costs. The law will also apply to patients insured by the Group Insurance Commission and MassHealth and will be effective for all contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 2026. This legislation has been actively supported by MSCO since 2016.
Oncologists see firsthand the heartbreaking financial decisions many of our patients face. We know early detection in diagnosing breast cancer can make an enormous difference. The passage of the Affordable Care Act ensures access to cancer screenings including mammograms without out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, individuals who require additional screening or diagnostic exams, or whose screening mammogram indicates a need for follow-up imaging tests, may face significant out-of-pocket costs, effectively becoming barriers that prevent patients from accessing lifesaving care. By eliminating out of pocket costs for follow up breast imaging and exams, Chapter 231 will help increase access, save lives, and improve health outcomes.
Importantly, Chapter 231 will help reduce racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is well known that minority women experience disparities at every level of care, including delays in diagnosis. This new law will ensure that all women can equitably access follow-up breast imaging and exams without concern for cost.
With the passage of Chapter 231, Massachusetts joins 23 states that have passed similar laws to fight breast cancer, including Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont. Moreover, the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) determined that passage of this law will only result in an average annual increase to a member’s monthly health insurance premium of between $0.19 and $0.33 – a small price to pay to help us save lives.
MSCO was honored to be invited to Governor Maura Healey’s bill signing ceremony this week. See photos below.
On behalf of MSCO members across the Commonwealth, I wish to thank Governor Healey, the House and Senate leadership, and especially our legislative sponsors, including Sen. Michael Rush, Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. James Murphy, and Rep. Ruth Balser, along with our organizational partners, the American Cancer Society, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Lastly, thank you to all the MSCO members who supported our advocacy efforts with legislative meetings, public testimony, emails, letters and phone calls. Your support for our patients and MSCO is much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Michael Constantine, MD
President
(Gov. Healy addressing audience)
(Gov. Maura Healy signing the bill)
(Signed Bill)
(Gov. Maura Healy & Dr. Eric Wong)
(Sen. Joan Lovely & Dr. Eric Wong)
(Sen. Bruce Tarr & Dr. Eric Wong)
