Virginia has taken a significant step to make breast cancer screenings more accessible by eliminating deductibles and copays for insured residents, a move advocates say could save lives through earlier detection.
Leanne Keen, a board member of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and a high-risk patient, knows firsthand how cost can prevent timely screenings. Keen carries a BRCA2 genetic mutation, which places her at very high risk for breast cancer, and requires annual MRIs that can cost $800 to $900—even with insurance.
“I don’t think it’s ever been an ‘I don’t want to’ issue, it’s been an ‘I can’t afford to’ issue,” Keen said. “I actually advocated very hard for this law personally because I know how much of a barrier the cost has been for so many people.”
The new legislation, which took effect in January 2026, ensures that insurance companies cannot charge patients for annual breast health screenings or follow-up tests, including diagnostic MRIs, ultrasounds, and mammograms. The coverage is comprehensive but applies only to those with Virginia insurance plans, excluding Medicare, Medicaid, and self-insured plans.
Dr. Leonel Vasquez, section chief of breast imaging at Carilion Clinic, said cost has long been a factor preventing women from returning for necessary follow-up imaging. “We see at least five to six cases a week where we’ve called a woman back for additional imaging, and they don’t come back for a whole year,” Vasquez explained. “When we question them, they say, ‘Well, you know, I didn’t have the money to come in.’”
Patients are advised to verify coverage before appointments. “There’s always a number on the back of your insurance card,” Vasquez said. “Call it and find out if it’s covered or not. It’s important to remember these kinds of laws take a while to seep out into the community.”
Keen emphasized the potential impact of the law on early detection. “Breast cancer is going to be detected at a much greater rate and at a much earlier stage, and it’s going to be better all around,” she said. Vasquez added, “Especially in these economic times and with health coverage costs going up, this is a huge removal of an obstacle.”
