Legislation sponsored by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to broaden the availability of mammogram screening for women across the State of Illinois was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on Monday in a ceremony at the Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health & Wellness Center.
Specifically, Senate Bill 162 requires coverage for comprehensive ultrasound screenings if a mammogram demonstrates heterogeneous or dense breast tissue, or when medically necessary as determined by a licensed physician. The new law also requires coverage for diagnostic mammograms. The new law was an initiative of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
“My family, like so many others in our community, has been impacted by women battling breast cancer,” Representative Keicher said. “As a husband and father of a college age daughter, women’s health issues are a kitchen table issue in my house, just as I’m sure it is in homes across the State of Illinois. I would like to thank the breast cancer survivors and advocates whose support was pivotal in getting this new law passed. Together we will continue to make major strides to prevent breast cancer and ensure that women have access to the screenings and life-saving care they need.”
Representative Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane and Boone Counties. Please call Representative Keicher’s District Office in Sycamore at (815) 748-3494 with any questions or for further information.