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HB 2561

insurance; cost sharing; breast examinations

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Michele Peña

Arizona bill eliminates insurance cost-sharing for breast examinations to increase access to cancer screening without out-of-pocket expenses.

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Bill Summary · HB 2561

Legislative bill overview

HB 2561 would eliminate cost-sharing requirements (copayments, coinsurance, deductibles) for breast examinations under Arizona insurance plans. The bill aims to ensure that women can access breast cancer screening without financial barriers by requiring insurance coverage of these preventive services at no out-of-pocket cost.

Why is this important

Breast cancer screening is a critical public health measure for early detection and treatment. Removing financial barriers may increase screening rates, particularly among lower-income individuals who might delay or skip preventive care due to cost concerns. This aligns with federal preventive care standards that many insurers already follow.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impact: Insurers may argue that eliminating cost-sharing increases premiums across all policyholders, even those not using the benefit
  • Coverage scope ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on what qualifies as a "breast examination" (clinical exams vs. imaging like mammograms vs. ultrasounds) and at what frequency coverage applies
  • Redundancy with federal law: The Affordable Care Act already requires no-cost coverage of preventive services, including breast cancer screening, for most plans—raising questions about whether this bill addresses a gap or duplicates existing protections

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

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