Senate Bill 88 – which would eliminate costs for diagnostic breast imaging – is one step closer to law.\
HARRISBURG – June 24, 2025 − With broad bipartisan support, the Senate today approved legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, removing financial barriers for patients. Sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for those at high risk.
Senate Bill 88 ensures that individuals who receive abnormal results from supplemental screenings – such as MRIs or ultrasounds, already covered under Act 1 – can now access necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost. The bill also broadens eligibility beyond high-risk patients to include those at average risk, bringing Pennsylvania’s law in line with guidance from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. Senate Bill 88 closes this gap, ensuring patients can access the full continuum of care without financial burden.
Following the Senate vote, lawmakers and advocates gathered in the Capitol’s rotunda for a news conference to highlight the importance of expanding access to diagnostic imaging. The bill’s co-sponsors shared personal stories and emphasized how the legislation will eliminate barriers to timely care.
Sen. Frank Farry (R-6)
“This bill is deeply personal to me. As I walk alongside my wife’s breast cancer journey, I know how critical diagnostic testing is after an abnormal screening and no one should have to delay it because of the cost. This legislation builds on the historic progress of Act 1 and ensures more women can get the answers they need. Early detection saves lives, and this bill brings us another step closer to making that a reality for everyone.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39)
“Act 1 of 2023 was a landmark step forward – we broke down barriers and brought hope to thousands of women by making supplemental breast cancer screening and testing available at no cost. But we know that screening is just one part of early detection, and far too many patients are still being hit with costs for the diagnostic imaging they need next. It’s time to finish what we started and make sure every woman has access to the full range of breast imaging, including diagnostic exams, without cost standing in the way.”
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-43)
“I am so proud to join my colleagues in the Senate to celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 88, which will, without a doubt, ensure more of Pennsylvania’s moms, sisters, aunts, friends, and daughters stay alive as they seek diagnostic screenings for breast cancer. Like many families in our commonwealth, my family has been touched by breast cancer, and I am honored to play a small part in expanding coverage and removing barriers to early detection. I look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan fashion to protect Pennsylvania’s women and families.”
Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24)
“Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. The good news is that a mammogram and advanced diagnostic screenings, can diagnose the disease early when it is most beatable. Today’s vote not only builds on Act 1 of 2023 but establishes our commonwealth as a leader in women’s health care, ensuring all those who need additional testing can do so without roadblocks.”
Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2)
“Today, Pennsylvania takes another step forward in the fight against breast cancer. With Senate Bill 88, we’re ensuring that cost is no longer a reason someone delays or skips a diagnostic exam. This is about saving lives through early detection and it’s deeply personal to me. I lost my sister to breast cancer, and I’ve carried that loss into every fight for better care. I’m proud of the bipartisan support behind this bill and grateful to every advocate who helped get us here. Together, we’re removing barriers and putting patients first.”
Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37)
“This issue is very personal to me. As someone who carries the BRCA gene, I know firsthand what it means to live with a higher risk. I hear from many of my constituents who have this risk as well, which is why this bill matters. With its passage, we are eliminating cost barriers to diagnostic imaging, making sure that when a woman gets a concerning result from a mammogram or an MRI, they can immediately get the follow-up care they need. No delays. No financial hurdles. Just access to answers – and to potentially lifesaving treatment.”
Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48)
“Preventive health care – such as genetic testing and breast MRIs – are indispensable for early cancer detection and treatment. Act 1 of 2023 was historic legislation and this bill aims to build on that success, providing no-cost diagnostic breast imaging and ultimately cutting costs and improving health outcomes.”
The bill has received support from leading advocacy groups, including the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society, and is not opposed by insurers.
Senate Bill 88 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
View today’s press conference here.
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