Governor Shapiro signs historic breast cancer screening bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Monday signed the first bill of his administration, a bipartisan law that will require insurers to cover preventative breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost.

The bill, which unanimously passed the Senate and House, requires insurance companies to pay for preventative care such as genetic testing, MRIs, and ultrasounds for women at high risk of breast cancer.

“I am proud that the first bill I have signed as Governor is a bill that passed both chambers unanimously – with Democrats and Republicans coming together to improve access to critically important healthcare and save countless lives in Pennsylvania," said Governor Shapiro. "This bill is the first of its kind in our country, requiring insurance companies to cover the costs of preventive cancer screenings for women at high risk of breast cancer."

The changes in coverage will not take effect until next year, but the breast cancer coalition says they will now get to work on making sure all women know about them.

“Pennsylvania is leading the nation in the fight against breast cancer by eliminating out-of-p...