Gabrielle Russon
Nine years ago, Sen. Lori Berman got the terrible news: a breast cancer diagnosis.
Standing on the Senate Floor Thursday, Berman said, “I want to make sure that all women on the state plan have the same advantages as I did in getting a timely diagnosis. Early detection and treatment save lives.”
For years, Berman has tried to pass legislation to lower out-of-pocket costs that may stand in the way of some people getting a diagnosis and getting care to fight it.
On Thursday, the Boynton Beach Democrat was a step closer as the Senate unanimously passed SB 158 to remove additional copays, deductibles and other cost-sharing requirements for state employees’ diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. At least one other lawmaker wants to see Berman’s bill expanded to cover beyond state employees.
“When a woman goes for a mammogram, very often, they might find something and she is referred for a supplemental test, usually an ultrasound, a diagnostic mammogram or an MRI,” Berman said before the 38-0 vote. “The cost for obtaining that can be out of some people’s reach, and then they don’t go and do the follow-up and end up having a worse result and a higher treatment result.”
Staff analysis of the bill found the change could cost $3.6 million annually in increased claim costs to state health plans. But Berman said early detection can help offset those costs.
“This bill will encourage … higher rates of testing and early diagnosis, which will save the state money in the end and also save lives.”
The companion bill (HB 141) by Hollywood Democratic Rep. Marie Woodson has yet to be heard in the House. Its first hearing would be before the House Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee. But the panel’s Chair, Palm Harbor GOP Rep. Adam Anderson, has not placed the bill on a schedule for any of the six meetings the committee has had since the bill was referred to it.
Berman’s bill won bipartisan support among Senators Thursday.
“I think this is a very important bill. I would like to see it extended to more than just our state insurance,” said Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell. “This is, again, the first step, and I would like to make sure that we are the example.”
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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
