Bill > HB271

This bill expands and enhances breast cancer screening coverage across various health insurance and Medicaid programs in Ohio by making several key changes. The bill broadens the definition of breast cancer screening to include supplemental screening methods and diagnostic breast examinations for individuals at higher risk, such as those with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer. It mandates that health insurance policies, public employee benefit plans, and Medicaid must cover one screening mammography annually, as well as supplemental screenings and diagnostic examinations without imposing any cost-sharing requirements (like copayments or deductibles). The bill updates terminology to be more inclusive by replacing "women" with "individuals" and adds additional screening methods like ultrasound, contrast-enhanced mammography, and molecular breast imaging. It also specifies that screenings must be performed in accredited facilities, with an exception for biopsies, which do not need to be conducted in specific locations. Additionally, the bill requires the Director of Health and Superintendent of Insurance to notify hospitals, physicians, and health plan issuers about these changes within three months of the act's effective date. The legislation is designed to improve early detection and reduce barriers to breast cancer screening for all individuals.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb271