Rockland Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced the introduction of the Early Access to Screening Act. This bipartisan bill aims to lower the age for women to receive free annual breast cancer screenings through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Currently, women aged 40 and over qualify for no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography; this bill extends this benefit to women aged 30 and over.

"Since taking office, I have fought to ensure women have access to the critical health care they need – from cancer screenings to mifepristone to maternal health care," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). "When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is vital. That's why I introduced the Early Access to Screening Act, which will provide more women with an affordable means to get checked. This legislation will undoubtedly save lives and I'm proud to spearhead this important effort."

"By lowering the age threshold for free annual breast cancer screenings, this legislation expands affordable access to care for women across America who may need it. I’m grateful to Congressman Lawler for his leadership in introducing the Early Access to Screening Act, and I am proud to join him in this important effort," said Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), a co-sponsor on the bill.

Young women are more likely to have aggressive forms of breast cancer. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, women under 40 are almost 40% more likely than older women to die from breast cancer. The same research found that rates of metastatic breast cancer in women under 40 have risen by 3.5 percent each year between 2004 and 2017. Data from the National Cancer Institute has shown a steady increase in the incidence rate of breast cancer among women between ages 15 and 39.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.