ND SCR4009

Direct the Legislative Management to study whether health insurance should cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments.

Identify that screening mammograms are cost-free under the Affordable Care Act, while diagnostic and supplemental imaging procedures under private insurance plans cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per procedure.

Note that approximately 12 to 16 percent of patients undergoing screening mammograms are referred for diagnostic testing, and cost is a contributing factor in patients skipping follow-up testing.

Recognize that coverage disparities disproportionately affect lower and middle-income patients and certain racial groups, leading to delayed treatment and more advanced cancer stages at diagnosis.

Require the Legislative Management to report findings, recommendations, and any necessary legislation to the Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly.