Wolf Administration Reiterates Policy on 3D Mammograms, Urges Support for Affordable Care Act to Maintain Preventive Service Coverage at No Cost to Consumers

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 2 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news release:

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition today, Wolf Administration Acting Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman reiterated Governor Wolf's policy first stated two years ago that 3D mammograms are covered by insurance under existing state law and must be provided to Pennsylvania women with no cost-sharing. She spoke at the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition's Pink Fountain event for 2017, at which the water in the fountain at the State Capitol is turned pink to mark October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

"Modern technology is offering new opportunities for physicians to diagnose breast cancer in women and provide life-saving treatment earlier than ever," Governor Wolf said. "That is why we made Pennsylvania the first state to have a policy that 3D annual mammograms are to be provided at no cost to patients, the same as traditional mammograms."

Altman noted that the governor's policy covers women who get their health care coverage through individual or group insurance policies. Currently, because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision that requires preventive services to be provided at no cost to consumers, women with policies through self-funded plans also get these vital annual screening tests, though possibly only 2D, rather than 3D mammograms, with no cost-sharing.

"This is one reason the governor and I are fighting so hard to preserve the consumer protections that so many Pennsylvanians have under the ACA," Altman said. "Women can't be worried about whether or not they can afford such a potential life-saving test." She noted that while the U.S. Congress has failed to repeal the ACA to date, the Trump Administration and some members of Congress continue to push for changes that threaten consumer protections for preventive services, such as mammograms, and for insurers to be able to sell policies that don't cover such services, or charge more for this coverage.

Altman commended the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition for the work they do on behalf of women and their supporters battling this disease. She said while tremendous strides have been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, more work remains.

"Twenty-seven women get the devastating diagnosis that they have breast cancer every day in Pennsylvania. And every day, the families and friends of five Pennsylvania women endure the death of their loved one from this disease," Altman said. "These aren't just numbers. - these are our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, cousins, friends, and neighbors. I know the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition won't stop fighting until these numbers and the people they represent reach zero. I am here to tell you that Governor Wolf will be there fighting with you every step of the way."

For more information on Governor Wolf's 3D mammogram policy, and information on health insurance, visit the Health page at www.insurance.pa.gov.

If you receive a 3D mammogram and receive a bill, you can contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's Consumer Services Bureau at 1-877-881-6388 or online.