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SB 177

Health; to require that coverage for breast cancer screening be provided without charging an insured a deductible or copayment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Coleman-Madison

Alabama requires insurers to cover breast cancer screening with zero patient out-of-pocket costs, removing deductibles and copayments to increase preventive care access.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Insurance
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Bill Summary · SB 177

Legislative bill overview

SB 177 requires health insurance plans in Alabama to cover breast cancer screening services without charging patients deductibles or copayments. The bill aims to remove financial barriers to preventive breast cancer detection by ensuring full coverage of screening procedures.

Why is this important

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Financial barriers like deductibles and copayments can discourage people from obtaining recommended screenings, potentially delaying diagnosis when treatment is most effective. This bill aligns with federal preventive care standards while specifically addressing Alabama's insurance market.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost increases: Insurers may argue that eliminating cost-sharing for screening services increases premium costs for all policyholders, particularly those unlikely to use breast cancer screening services
  • Definition scope: Ambiguity about which screening methods qualify (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs) and at what frequency could create disputes between insurers and patients
  • Coverage gaps: The bill may not address uninsured or underinsured populations, potentially leaving vulnerable groups without access improvements despite the mandate

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

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