Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) announced today that his breast cancer imaging bill has passed the House of Representatives and is now close to becoming law. The proposal marks a major step forward for cancer care and early detection in Pennsylvania.
The bill expands on Act 1 of 2023, which removed out-of-pocket costs for supplemental screening. Senate Bill 88 goes further by requiring state-regulated insurance plans to cover follow-up diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs, and ultrasounds with no cost-sharing. These diagnostic tests are often needed after an abnormal screening result. Until now, many patients delayed or skipped these tests because they could not afford them.
Farry explained that the bill is personal to him. His wife’s breast cancer diagnosis showed him how essential timely imaging is for early detection and survival.
“Today is an unbelievable milestone in our fight against breast cancer in Pennsylvania,” Farry said. “No patient should delay critical tests because of cost. Act 1 of 2023 was groundbreaking, but this bill completes the work. It ensures that from screening to diagnosis, people can get the care they need without financial barriers.”
This week, Farry received the PA Legislative Champion of 2025 Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for his leadership on the bill.
“This award strengthens my commitment to supporting patients and families across our commonwealth. I am humbled to receive it,” he said.
Rep. Gina Curry (D-164), who also received Legislative Champion recognition, played a central role in pushing the bill forward in the House.
“I want to thank Rep. Curry for her leadership and dedication to ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to full breast cancer care,” Farry said. “Her partnership was essential to getting this done.”
Farry also praised the PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) for its long-standing advocacy.
PBCC President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy celebrated the bill’s advancement. “Today’s victory belongs to patients across Pennsylvania who will now receive early breast cancer detection at no cost,” she said. “Senate Bill 88 builds on Act 1 and takes our state a major step forward. Income should never determine survival. We thank all lawmakers who recognized how lifesaving this bill is.”
The legislation has also earned strong support from other major advocacy groups, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Insurers have not opposed the measure.
Senate Bill 88 now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
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