Arizona Bill Seeks to Eliminate Financial Barriers to Breast Imaging
Event summary
- Arizona State Senator Hildy Angius (R-Bullhead City) introduced Senate Bill 1165 on January 16, 2026.
- The bill aims to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, such as MRIs and ultrasounds.
- Diagnostic imaging costs can range from $234 for a mammogram to over $1,000 for a breast MRI.
- A Komen-commissioned study found that 1 in 5 patients would forgo follow-up imaging due to deductible costs.
- Susan G. Komen is advocating for the bill, citing its potential to improve early detection and reduce overall healthcare costs.
The big picture
This legislation reflects a growing recognition of the inequitable impact of healthcare costs on access to essential medical services. The move to eliminate patient out-of-pocket expenses for diagnostic imaging aligns with broader trends toward value-based care and aims to improve early detection rates, ultimately reducing long-term healthcare expenditures. The bill's bipartisan support suggests a potential shift in political attitudes toward addressing healthcare affordability.
What we're watching
- Legislative Passage
- The bill's success hinges on navigating the Arizona legislature, and its bipartisan support will be tested as it moves through committees and faces potential amendments.
- Reimbursement Impact
- If passed, the bill will likely shift the financial burden of diagnostic imaging from patients to insurers or the state, potentially impacting reimbursement rates and healthcare provider revenue.
- State Replication
- The bill's outcome could serve as a model for similar legislation in other states, given that 30 states have already considered similar measures to address financial barriers in healthcare.
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