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Bill

SB 1165

insurance; cost sharing; breast exams

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Hildy Angius and 4 co-sponsors

Arizona bill eliminates insurance cost-sharing for breast exams to increase preventive screening access and early cancer detection, potentially raising overall insurance costs.

Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1165

Legislative bill overview

SB 1165 would require insurance plans in Arizona to cover breast examination services without cost-sharing requirements (copays, coinsurance, or deductibles). The bill aims to ensure that women can access breast screening and diagnostic exams without financial barriers at the point of care.

Why is this important

Removing cost-sharing for breast exams reduces delays in preventive care and early detection of breast cancer, which significantly improves treatment outcomes. Cost barriers are a documented reason women postpone or skip recommended screenings, particularly affecting lower-income populations with high-deductible plans.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry impact: Mandates increase insurer costs, which may be passed to employers and consumers through higher premiums, raising the overall cost of coverage
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "breast exam" may create disputes over which procedures qualify (clinical exams only, or also imaging like mammograms and ultrasounds?)
  • Existing coverage gaps: Medicare and Medicaid already cover many breast screening services; the practical impact may be primarily on commercial plans, creating coverage inconsistencies across populations

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

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