HB1389 expands Oklahoma insurance coverage requirements for breast cancer screening and related diagnostic services. It amends the state’s mammography coverage statute to require all health benefit plans to cover low-dose mammography screening, diagnostic breast cancer examinations, and supplemental breast examinations. The bill also broadens the list of covered technologies and defines several terms, including breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, breast tomosynthesis, diagnostic mammography, screening mammography, and supplemental examination.
The bill specifies that covered screening and diagnostic services may not be subject to deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance limits, and insurers may not require a screening at a particular time as a condition of payment. It sets coverage frequency standards for women ages 35 to 39, who are entitled to a low-dose mammography once every five years, and women age 40 and older, who are entitled to annual coverage. It also includes a federal tax-code safeguard so the law does not interfere with health savings account eligibility, except as allowed for preventive care.
Impact
HB1389 changes Oklahoma insurance law by mandating broader breast cancer screening coverage in health benefit plans and by expanding the statutory definitions of covered imaging and diagnostic procedures. It affects insurers, health plans, and enrollees by requiring first-dollar coverage for specified mammography-related services and by extending coverage to supplemental exams for individuals with elevated risk factors, including dense breasts and family history. The act becomes effective November 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally well received and broadly supported. It passed House and Senate committee votes overwhelmingly, cleared the House and Senate on third reading, and later passed both chambers again during veto override votes. The strong vote totals suggest bipartisan support for expanding breast cancer screening access and insurance coverage.
Contention
There is little evidence of major substantive opposition in the available record, but the Senate floor vote was less unanimous than earlier committee and House votes, indicating some reservations. The main policy issues likely centered on the cost and insurance-mandate implications of requiring coverage without deductibles or copays, as well as the scope of covered supplemental imaging and the age-based screening schedule. The bill’s inclusion of dense breasts and family history as risk factors also broadens coverage beyond routine screening, which may have been a point of discussion for insurers and fiscal-minded legislators.
Health: testing; notification of dense breast tissue; eliminate, and provide for other general amendments to the use of radiation machines. Amends secs. 13501, 13521, 13522 & 13523 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.13501 et seq.) & repeals secs. 13524 & 13531 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.13524 & 333.13531).
To Increase Accessibility While Ensuring Quality For Certain Facilities Performing Mammography Services; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Quality Standards For Accreditation Of Facilities For Mammography.