Bill signed requiring insurance to cover measures for women at increased risk of breast cancer

DELAFIELD — A bill requiring health insurance companies to cover supplemental and diagnostic breast exams for women at increased risk of developing breast cancer was signed into law on Thursday by Gov. Tony Evers.

The bill, Senate Bill 264, authored by Rep. Cindi Duchow, R-Delafield, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Fox Crossing, was signed into law as 2025 Act 103.

Act 103 also extends coverage to those with dense breast tissue, which impacts nearly 40% of Wisconsin women.

"It was an honor to lead this bipartisan effort. As I’ve said from the beginning, early detection saves lives and livelihoods. We want our moms, wives, sisters and daughters to return to normal life as quickly as possible. Breast cancer screenings are key in making that happen, and we need to ensure everyone has access to them. Act 103 does just that," Duchow said.

The law is also known as Gail’s Law, having been named after the late Gail Zeamer, who traveled to the Capitol while battling breast cancer to educate Wisconsinites on breast density and the importance of supplemental screenings.

"More often than not, it takes women standing up for other women to make meaningful change. Thank you to everyone who contacted my office, advocated at the Capitol and stopped me out in the community to voice their support for Gail’s Law," Duchow said. "This bill would not have passed without you. I am hopeful that this policy will encourage women to seek out that supplemental exam, and ultimately, save lives."