Breast cancer exams expected to be more accessible following a newly signed bill

By Addison Brewer-Hay

A new Massachusetts law will require insurers to cover follow up screenings for patients with abnormal monograms. This will include digital breast tomosynthesis screening, MRIs, and ultrasounds, making breast exams more affordable and accessible.

This new legislation was signed on Monday by Gov. Maura Healey, who stated it “will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need.” The law, known as “An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection,” will be enacted in 2026.

Emphasizing the importance of breast screening early in life, Healey hopes this law will help women catch breast cancer before significant harm can manifest.

State Rep. James Murphy, D-Weymouth, called the law “groundbreaking,” emphasizing the legislation’s potential to save lives. “Breast cancer is a major cause of cancer related deaths among women and everything must be done to change this,” Murphy expressed. “This groundbreaking legislation will provide life saving health care for women throughout our Commonwealth.”

This sentiment stretched to the president and CEO of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Benjamin Ebert who called the new legislation “an important victory” for patients needing life-saving care.