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TAMPA (WFLA) — On Monday, the Florida Senate will take up SB 932: Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations, a bill aimed at curbing out-of-pocket costs of treatment for people who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Free mammograms are offered in Florida; however, if an abnormality is detected and further treatment is needed, out-of-pocket costs can increase quickly.
State Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), who is sponsoring the bill, said, "Now is the time to add Florida to a growing list of states that have passed this life-saving legislation nationwide."
The Senate bill is accompanied by an adjoining House bill, which was introduced on the same day as the Senate bill.
The House bill is sponsored by Marie Wilson (D-Hollywood), who said, "Breast cancer is a life-or-death situation, and breaking the barriers to accessing care is paramount."
A financial impact statement estimates that, if the bill passes, it will cost Florida $3.6 million more in increased state health plan claims annually.
According to the nonprofit organization Susan G. Komen, more than 22,670 Floridians were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, with about 3,170 losing their life to the disease.
The study goes further, stating that one in five women said they were likely to skip recommended treatment due to "exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with essential breast imaging procedures."
The bill is expected to be heard by Florida's Senate Banking Insurance Committee at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.