Missouri Insurance Companies Required To Offer 3D Mammograms

With the start of the New Year, women in Missouri have one less barrier in their fight against breast cancer. As of January 1st, insurance providers were required to cover the cost of 3D mammograms, as well as lowering the age at which most mammograms are covered from 50 to 40.

3D mammograms significantly improve early detection of breast cancer, which ultimately improves survival rates. Early detection also means less invasive treatments, and decreased costs.

“Coverage for 3D mammography is a wonderful benefit for women,” said Kim Sanders, BSRT, Mercy mammography technologist. “Finding breast cancer earlier means we can treat it earlier and women have a better chance at beating the disease.”

The use of 3D mammography also can reduce stress on patients by decreasing the rate of call backs for additional testing on women who do not have breast cancer.

Missouri joins more than ten other states that require 3D mammograms, including Oklahoma, which started requiring coverage last November, and Arkansas, which started requiring coverage in 2017.

While all women may choose to receive a 3D mammogram, the screening is most beneficial for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breasts contain more glandular tissues as opposed to fatty tissue. In a standard 2D mammogram, the glandular tissue can give a similar appearance to cancer, which can require further testing.

A 3D mammogram provides images from different angles allowing a computer to digitally recreate an image of the breast layer-by-layer. This view makes it easier to see the tissue and evaluate possible abnormalities.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women age 40 and older, regardless of whether it is a standard or 3D mammogram.

The requirement for insurance coverage for 3D mammograms was included in Missouri House Bill 1252, which was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.