Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Honored With Pink Ribbon Award at PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference, Stresses Support of 3D Mammography

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller today accepted the Pink Ribbon Award at the 2016 PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference for her work in expanding access to 3D mammography in Pennsylvania.

Last year, Governor Tom Wolf announced that three-dimensional mammograms must be treated the same as two-dimensional mammograms. Under this guidance, the 3D procedure known as tomosynthesis is covered by insurance the same as a 2D procedure for as an annual mammogram at no cost to patients under Pennsylvania law.

"I am very honored to receive the Pink Ribbon Award from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition," said Commissioner Miller. "For some patients, three-dimensional mammograms have made it easier for physicians to detect and diagnose breast cancer so patients can begin any necessary treatment before the disease advances. I am proud that my department can take a role in ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to up-to-date and potentially life-saving technology when recommended by their physician."

Under Governor Wolf's directive, insurance plans subject to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's jurisdiction must provide annual mammograms, whether 3D or 2D, to members at no cost as is required by Pennsylvania law. Mammography screenings are also identified as a preventive care service under the Affordable Care Act, and these procedures must be covered for women over 40 every one to two years, as recommended by their physician.

"Governor Wolf's policy on 3D mammography was a strong step in ensuring that women in Pennsylvania can benefit from advances in technology," said Commissioner Miller. "Pennsylvania was one of the first states in the nation to establish parity between 3D and 2D procedures, and we are committed to making sure consumers know and understand that they have access to this vital and potentially life-saving procedure."

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition also announced the results of a survey that examined Pennsylvania's 350+ mammography centers, which found that 137 currently offer 3D mammography.

"The PA Breast Cancer Coalition has set out to ensure that every woman knows where she can get a 3D mammogram," said PA Breast Cancer Coalition President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy.

For more information on the PA Breast Cancer Coalition and to view the full results of their 3D mammography survey, visit www.pbcc.me/3D. For more information on the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's 3D mammography guidance or to ask a question about how the policy applies to your insurance coverage, visit www.insurance.pa.gov or call 1-877-881-6388.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Ali Fogarty, 717-787-3289 or 717-919-3531

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us