Maryland Governor Moore Signs RadNet-supported Legislation to Make Follow-up Diagnostic Imaging for Breast and Lung Cancers More Affordable
04 Maio 2023 - 11:07AM
RadNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDNT), today announced that Maryland Governor
Wes Moore signed into law legislation to improve lung and breast
cancer detection and diagnosis in Maryland. House Bill (HB)
815/Senate Bill (SB) 965 and HB 376/SB 184 require state-regulated
insurers to waive patient cost-shares for supplemental diagnostic
imaging associated with lung and breast cancers, respectively. The
bills were championed by RadNet and received unanimous support from
the Maryland House and Senate.
Under the new laws, starting on January 1, 2024,
Maryland-regulated insurers will be prohibited from imposing a
copayment, coinsurance or deductible on coverage for diagnostic
mammograms, breast ultrasound or breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and
diagnostic ultrasound, MRI, Computed Tomography (CT) and
image-guided biopsy for the detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.
By July 1, the Maryland Department of Health must assess current
patient awareness campaigns and make recommendations for combatting
health disparities in cancer screening and cancer care with an
emphasis on traditionally underserved communities.
“It is estimated that we lost more than 2,000 lives to lung
cancer and 800 lives to breast cancer last year in the State of
Maryland. These bills will help save the lives of Marylanders by
eliminating financial barriers to follow-up or supplemental breast
and lung cancer imaging. There are too many patients today who
cannot afford their copays or deductibles for critical follow-up
exams once potential cancer has been identified through a routine
screening exam. The bills also address health inequities through
better education on the need for breast and lung cancer screening
in all communities. Early detection and timely follow-up are key to
survival,” said Steve Forthuber, President of Eastern Operations
for RadNet.
Supporters of the legislation included the Maryland Radiological
Society (MRS), MedChi (the Maryland State Medical Society),
LifeBridge Health, and the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance
(MITA). The Susan G. Komen Foundation similarly advocated for the
elimination of out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental
breast imaging (MRI, ultrasound, or diagnostic mammograms) when
clinically necessary.
The Maryland General Assembly will be asked to include
image-guided breast biopsy to the list of supplemental breast
procedures without patient cost-shares when the 2024 legislative
session starts in January.
Maryland is among a growing number of states that are taking
action to make cancer detection and diagnosis more affordable. With
the passage of HB 815/SB 965 and HB 376/SB184, Maryland has taken
an essential step towards ensuring that no Maryland resident is
left behind in the fight against breast and lung cancer.
About RadNet, Inc.
RadNet, Inc. is the leading national provider of freestanding,
fixed-site diagnostic imaging services and related information
technology solutions (including artificial intelligence) in the
United States based on the number of locations and annual imaging
revenue. RadNet has a network of 357 owned and/or operated
outpatient imaging centers. RadNet's markets include Arizona,
California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.
Together with affiliated radiologists, inclusive of full-time and
per diem employees and technologists, RadNet has more than 9,000
employees. For more information,
visit http://www.radnet.com.
CONTACT:
RadNet, Inc.
Mark Stolper, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
310-445-2928
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