NC S553

Requires health insurers to apply the same cost-sharing requirements (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) to diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer examinations as they apply to screening mammograms, effective October 1, 2025

Expands required mammography coverage to include breast ultrasounds for women with dense breast tissue when recommended by a healthcare provider

Appropriates $3.6 million for FY 2025-2026 and $5 million for FY 2026-2027 to the Department of State Treasurer to implement coverage requirements under the NC State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees

Appropriates $1.5 million in nonrecurring funds to the Community Colleges System Office to develop a program for recruiting and retaining certified mammography technologists in rural and medically underserved areas

Updates patient notification requirements for mammography reports to align with federal FDA regulations and include information about dense breast tissue, supplemental screening options, and associated cancer risks