Early Access to Screening Act

This bill, known as the "Early Access to Screening Act," aims to significantly expand access to breast cancer screening by mandating no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography. These provisions will apply to individuals aged 30 and older across various health coverage programs. The changes are slated to take effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring earlier and more affordable access to preventative care.

Specifically, the legislation amends the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing for annual screening mammography under Medicare for women over 29 and makes it a mandatory, no-cost benefit under Medicaid for individuals over 29. Furthermore, it modifies the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans and individual health insurance to cover annual mammography screening for women over 29 without imposing any deductions, cost-sharing, or similar charges.