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Bill

SB 519

Establishing insurance provisions requiring coverage for annual breast cancer screenings

2026 Regular Session

SB 519 requires West Virginia insurers to cover annual breast cancer screenings without patient cost-sharing to improve early detection and reduce financial barriers to preventive care.

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Bill Summary · SB 519

Legislative bill overview

SB 519 mandates that health insurance policies in West Virginia cover annual breast cancer screenings without cost-sharing (copays, coinsurance, or deductibles). The bill applies to both mammography and supplemental screening methods for women at various risk levels, ensuring preventive access across insurance plans.

Why is this important

Early breast cancer detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Removing financial barriers to screening encourages women to undergo preventive care, particularly benefiting lower-income populations who might otherwise delay or skip screenings due to cost. This aligns with evidence-based clinical guidelines and federal preventive care standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impact: Insurers may argue that mandated coverage without cost-sharing increases premiums for all policyholders, potentially raising overall healthcare costs
  • Screening scope and age: Debate may emerge over which age groups qualify, whether supplemental screening methods (ultrasound, MRI) should be included, and if annual frequency is medically necessary for all risk categories versus evidence-based risk stratification
  • Coverage limitations: Questions about whether this applies to all plans (including self-insured employers) and how it interacts with existing federal preventive care mandates under the Affordable Care Act

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

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