Gov. Shapiro Signs Historic Cancer Screening Bill, His First as Governor

HARRISBURG, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) - Today, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed landmark cancer coverage legislation at the state Capitol.

The legislation passed unanimously in the House last week and in the Senate in March. 

Senate Bill 8, now act one of 2023, eliminates out-of-pocket-costs for genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes as well as supplemental breast screenings. 

It requires insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings, such as MRIs for women as high risk, at no cost. 

It’s the first bill signed into law by Governor Shapiro. 

“We are helping women fight breast cancer and live healthier lives. We’re putting forth real solutions to real problems in everyday Pennsylvanians' battle. This is an example of the kind of work we all need to keep doing together,” said Gov. Shapiro. “Bipartisan, meaningful work. That can come out of this building. I truly believe the government can and should be a force for good, and I believe this is just the start. We can do big things again here in Pennsylvania, if we work together,” Shapiro added. 

SB 8 was sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), who is a breast cancer survivor.