STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2013) — A bill authored by State Sens. Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis) and Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) to encourage earlier detection of breast cancer for Hoosier women was approved 49-0 by the full Senate today.

Senate Bill 414 would require state employee health plans and other health insurance programs offered in Indiana to provide coverage for medical screening, tests and examinations needed by women who are over the age of 40 and have “high-density” breasts. The legislation also calls for Indiana’s Medical Licensing Board to establish an education program and standards for annual screenings for those same women.

Doctors say density makes it more difficult to spot early indicators of cancer. Ultrasounds as a second-step medical screening can help with detection but are not traditionally covered for an annual exam like a mammogram. That has created an issue where breast cancer has been discovered too late.

“This bill is all about promoting women’s health and giving these Hoosiers access to needed cancer prevention services,” Becker said. “It’s estimated that nearly 40,000 U.S. women will die from breast cancer this year. We want screening efforts to be more effective and productive — to help save more lives.”

Additionally, Susan G. Komen for the Cure estimates there will be 232,340 new cases of breast cancer among U.S. women in 2013. From 2005 to 2009, approximately 117 out of every 100,000 women in Indiana were diagnosed with breast cancer. Also during that time period in the Hoosier state, an estimated 24 out of every 100,000 women died from breast cancer.

“As medical technology advances, we are given additional opportunities to promote early detection and prevention of certain diseases and cancers,” Miller said. “That means it’s also more important than ever to ensure Hoosiers know about these screenings and have access to them. Simply stated, that’s our goal for women with this legislation.”

SB 414 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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