PA Signs Historic Breast Cancer Legislation
A first-of-its-kind law in the nation will require insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed the first bill of his Administration — Act 1 of 2023, a first-of-its-kind law in the nation that will require insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost. This landmark legislation, introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, passed both the House and the Senate unanimously.
The law removes out-of-pocket costs associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate and other cancer syndromes — as well as supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer.
"For Black women, the statistics are even more alarming, as breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death for Black women at an alarming rate of 31%. But there is hope — now as a result of this new law, more Pennsylvanians will have access to the screening and genetic counseling that can lead to an early diagnosis and save lives."
— Speaker Joanna McClinton
"I am proud that the first bill I have signed as Governor is a bill that passed both chambers unanimously — with Democrats and Republicans coming together to improve access to critically important healthcare and save countless lives in Pennsylvania."
— Governor Josh Shapiro
What the Law Covers
Genetic testing for hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate and other cancer syndromes at no cost for high-risk women.
Supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer at no cost.