Women in New York may have an easier time getting a mammogram in 2017, as legislation expanding access to breast cancer screening went into effect on Jan. 1. The law mandates extended screening hours for hospitals and eliminates deductibles and co-payments for all screening and most diagnostic imaging.

The bill is the most aggressive breast screening legislation in the country, requiring insurance companies to cover all the costs of supplemental imaging.

Nearly a quarter of New York women between 50 and 74 years old reported not having mammograms at least every other year. Structural barriers such as the lack of convenient office hours are a major impediment to screening, according to the Community Preventative Services Task Force.

Due to work or family responsibilities, many women have trouble scheduling screenings within the typical workday. To combat this, 210 hospitals and hospital-affiliated imaging centers throughout the state will offer at least four hours of evening or weekend screening per week. In addition, public employees in New York City will be allocated four extra leave hours per year for screening.

The second arm of the bill eliminates co-pay charges for all screening mammograms, including ones provided to women outside the usual screening guidelines (such as women in their 40s). Copays and deductibles are likewise eliminated for most diagnostic imaging, and women who require follow-up exams will not have to pay additional out-of-pocket expenses for common diagnostic imaging,

"I am proud that New York State is at the forefront of promoting breast cancer screening," said New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, MD, JD. "Governor Cuomo's initiatives will increase the chances of early detection, which will result in earlier and more effective treatment. These new laws will make a positive difference in the health and the lives of women around the state."

This bill follows 2013 legislation that mandated a dense breast notification for women who have high fibro-glandular densities. Three-dozen states either have laws in place or in the legislative process.