Photo Courtesy:
Jasmine Daniels
Senate Bill 932, filed in December by Democrat Lori Berman and co-introduced by Democrat Senators Tracie Davis and Linda Stewart, is based on the cost-efficient cover for diagnostic and other additions for breast examinations. This bill would prohibit the state group insurance program from enforcing cost sharing such as paying out of pocket for basic breast cancer examinations.
Jasmine Daniels, a fourth-year health science pre-physical therapy student at Florida A&M, says she believes SB932 would be very impactful.
“Especially because of my experience and women across the nation, getting mammograms and breast examinations is something essential to the well-being and health of women across the nation, “ Daniels said. “This piece of legislation would help eliminate high costs because high costs could prevent more women from getting examined.”
Daniels said that during the Christmas break, she realized she had a lump in her breast. At first, she did not take into consideration anything harmful and considered it to be a symptom of her menstrual cycle.
However, after speaking with her mother, she realized it would be beneficial to go to the gynecologist. She first went Gynecology and Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee and spent a $45 copay after insurance. Physicians told Daniel to go to the imaging and radiology center.
Her following appointment at the imaging center consisted of an ultrasound of her breast, and she was told she needed an ultrasound to see if the lump was cancerous. This visit free for Daniels because of her insurance.
While Daniels remained anxious, she decided to continue with a biopsy in order for the physician to take out the tissue from the lump in her breast. The cost for this appointment after insurance was $750.
After days of anxiety and nerves, Daniels’ results came back negative for breast cancer, and she was diagnosed with fibroadenoma.
“I learned not to wait no matter how busy I am and to prioritize my health,” Daniels said. “I also learned about my family’s medical history, which also played a vital role.”
Daniels says she will undergo surgery soon for the removal of the tumor. She also says she is lucky to have a good insurance company, so she did not have to come out of pocket as much as initially thought.
She believes SB 932 would benefit women who do not have insurance.
According to cancer.org, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 42,250 women will die from cancer in 2024.
According to breastcancer.org, a study from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart measured the average out-of-pocket costs of mammograms from copays, co-insurance, and deductibles. The results returned $1,020.31 for copay, $945.36 for co-insurance, and $1,186.02 for deductible plans.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter also discussed the benefits of SB 932.
“SB 932 is an important step in reducing healthcare costs for Floridians,” Porter said. “Cost should never get in the way of people getting the care they need, and lives are at stake.”
According to leon.floridahealth.gov, symptoms of breast cancer are lumps in the breast/underarm, thickness/swelling of the breast, redness/flaky skin, and changes in the size of the breast.
Women who meet the program requirements can call DOH-Leon AT 850-404-6404 for free or low-cost screenings.
SB 932 cleared the Banking and Insurance Committee by a 9-0 vote and is now in the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government.