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SB 88

An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in casualty insurance, repealing provisions relating to coverage for mammographic examinations and breast imaging and providing for coverage for mammographic examinations, magnetic resonance imaging and other forms of breast imaging.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 43 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania expands mandatory insurance coverage from mammography alone to include MRI and other breast imaging technologies to improve cancer detection options.

Act No. 52 of 2025
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Bill Summary · SB 88

Legislative bill overview

SB 88 amends Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to expand mandatory health insurance coverage for breast imaging. The bill repeals outdated provisions covering only mammography and replaces them with broader coverage requirements that include mammographic examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other forms of breast imaging technology.

Why is this important

This change ensures insurance coverage keeps pace with modern medical imaging advances. MRI and newer imaging modalities can detect cancers missed by traditional mammography in certain patients (particularly those with dense breast tissue), potentially improving early detection rates and health outcomes. The bill removes barriers to accessing clinically appropriate imaging options.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding coverage to multiple imaging modalities increases insurance costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums or employers through increased healthcare expenses
  • Medical necessity standards: The bill doesn't specify which imaging types insurers must cover or under what clinical circumstances, potentially creating disputes over coverage denials and variable policies across insurers
  • Screening vs. diagnostic imaging: Unclear whether coverage applies equally to preventive screening versus diagnostic follow-up, which could affect when and how often patients can access these services without out-of-pocket costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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