Missouri House Passes Bill to Require Health Insurance Companies to Fully Cover Follow-Up Breast Exams

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Jefferson City, Mo. The speech is traditionally given in the House chamber but was moved to the smaller Senate chamber at the last minute due to concerns about the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

(MISSOURINET) – Health insurance companies could be required to fully cover follow-up breast exams for Missouri patients. The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require insurance carriers to pay for the exams used to diagnose breast cancer if an initial mammogram finds potential problems. The bill sponsor, State Representative Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, says many other conservative states have already passed a similar bill, including Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

State Representative Doug Richey, a fellow Republican from Excelsior Springs, opposes the bill because he says it would increase healthcare costs. The next stop for the legislation is the Missouri Senate.