Expanded Coverage for Diagnostic Breast Imaging, Ovarian Cancer Screening

The state legislature passed, and Gov. Abbott signed, two bills that require health plans regulated by the state to cover additional women’s health services.

On June 7, 2021, Gov. Abbott signed HB 428 which requires plans regulated by the state to cover tests or screenings approved by the Food and Drug Administration for detection of ovarian cancer.

On June 16, 2021, Gov. Abbott signed SB 1065 into law. Health plans regulated by the state are currently required to provide coverage for diagnostic mammograms. The bill expands this coverage by requiring coverage of ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging in addition to mammograms, as well as mandating that procedures must be covered for patients who have dense breast tissue or have detected an abnormality on their own.

The bills will be effective on January 1, 2022. Employers with plans regulated by the state should be aware of this development.

HB 428 »
SB 1065 »