Birmingham Leaders Fight Breast Cancer Costs

0:00This is Birmingham News Today, every story, every city, every day. In Birmingham, Alabama, community leaders are working to ease the financial burden of breast cancer follow-up care. Many women get their first mammogram covered by insurance starting at age 40, but extra tests like diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, often come with Steve out of pocket costs. Earlier this week, during Women's History Month, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson teamed up with local groups at an event to boost access. They announced new funding to pay for at least 20 mammograms through area providers, targeting women who otherwise couldn't afford screenings. These efforts highlight how costs create real barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. Leaders stress that without help, many women delay care, which can lead to worse outcomes and even loss lives. A recent report from the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network revealed that over 70% of commercially insured patients paid out of. Pocket for follow-up breast cancer tests in 2023.

1:02To fix this, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 300, which would make insurers cover those tests with no deductibles or copays. Meanwhile, local organizations keep pushing resources like free or low-cost mammograms. Women seeking help can reach Commissioner Tyson's office at 205-325-5074. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening and bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.