New Wisconsin Bill Aims to Improve Early Breast Cancer Detection

Broader Coverage for Early Detection
A bipartisan effort in the Wisconsin Senate is moving forward to expand breast cancer screening access across the state. Senate Bill 264, which passed the Senate Tuesday with a vote of 32-1, would require both public and private health insurance plans — including the state’s Medical Assistance program — to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast screenings. The legislation aims to ensure that individuals with dense breast tissue or those at a higher risk of developing breast cancer have the diagnostic tools they need for early detection.

The measure, introduced by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara and co-sponsored by a long list of lawmakers from both parties, has now been received by the Assembly. The Assembly Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the bill tomorrow (Thursday).

What the Bill Does
Senate Bill 264 broadens existing breast cancer screening coverage. Under current law, Wisconsin insurance policies are required to cover mammograms beginning at age 45, with annual screenings for women aged 50 and older. This bill builds on those provisions by mandating insurance coverage for:

• Diagnostic breast examinations, including mammography, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging tools used to investigate abnormalities.
• Supplemental screenings for individuals with dense breast tissue or elevated cancer risk as determined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

The bill also eliminates cost-sharing for these diagnostic and supplemental exams — meaning no copays or deductibles — unless doing so would conflict with federal health savings account requirements.

Addressing Dense Breast Tissue Risks
Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect cancer on standard mammograms, leading to delayed diagnoses. By expanding coverage for advanced screenings such as MRI, ultrasound, and tomosynthesis, SB 264 seeks to bridge that gap and improve outcomes for thousands of women across the state.

Speaking in favor of the legislation, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu shared a deeply personal reason for supporting it. As reported by the Wisconsin Examiner, LeMahieu told colleagues that his wife’s own breast cancer diagnosis and dense breast tissue informed his perspective on the bill.

“There are people who don’t know their risk that they have dense breast tissue. They don’t know that a simple mammogram might not catch it,” LeMahieu said. “Fortunately, she did her research. My wife is the exact type of person this bill is intended to help.”

A Bipartisan Push for Prevention
The bill’s support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers underscores the bipartisan recognition of the importance of preventive care. Senators from across the aisle joined in co-sponsoring the legislation, signaling a unified effort to reduce financial barriers to breast cancer detection.

Advocates say early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving survival rates, and access to supplemental screening is critical for individuals who may not fit traditional risk profiles.

Next Steps in the Assembly
Following its strong passage in the Senate, SB 264 now heads to the Wisconsin Assembly, where it will be reviewed by the Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care Committee. Lawmakers are expected to hear testimony from medical professionals, advocacy groups, and citizens who have been directly impacted by delayed or missed diagnoses due to limited screening coverage.

If passed by the Assembly and signed into law, the act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after publication — ensuring expanded screening coverage as early as next year.