Breast Exam Health Coverage Heads to Governor’s Desk

Bill eliminates out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screenings 

Santa Fe, NM- House Bill 27, to eliminate copays and cost sharing for breast cancer screenings, will now make its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law, after unanimously passing the Senate today. 

The bill would extend the exemption for out-of-pocket costs on annual mammograms to also apply to additional, doctor-recommended screenings, which are often cost prohibitive and result in patients forgoing recommended tests that can be early detectors of breast cancer.

“Early detection is critical in successfully treating breast cancer and ongoing screenings are vital for survivors. Yet too many New Mexicans are currently paying hundreds of their own hard-earned dollars per visit, or skipping recommended tests simply because they can’t afford them,” said Representative Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos). “I’m so happy to see this life-saving bill unanimously pass the legislature and I look forward to the Governor signing it into law.” 

House Bill 27 is sponsored by Rep. Chandler, Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), and Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque). 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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