Press Release

Cummings Asks Government, Private Insurance Options To Retain Coverage For Mammograms

Cummings Asks Government, Private Insurance Options To Retain Coverage For Mammograms

Congressman does not want recent study to result in less coverage for breast cancer screenings.

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, (MD-07) will hold a press conference to Monday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, to discuss the importance of women getting screened and maintaining vigilance against the potential onset of breast cancer.

This press conference after a recent report, by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, made recommendations on when mammography is most effective for women, and when tests may do more harm than good. Misunderstandings have arisen, due in part to media coverage of the report that paints it as a blanket dismissal of the importance of breast cancer screening.

In advance of that press conference, Congressman Cummings sent letters to John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management and to Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans. Both letters essentially asked for the same thing, the continuation of mammogram coverage starting at age 40.

Congressman Cummings urged Mr. Berry to, “continue requiring government insurance programs to offer routine mammograms to women, beginning at age 40.”

To Ms. Ignagni, whose organization represents hundreds of private insurers, Congressman Cummings wrote, “I commend [private insurance companies that cover mammograms] for the seriousness with which they take breast cancer prevention. I would urge all of your member companies to continue with their current breast cancer screening coverage.”

The letters to both Mr. Berry and Ms. Ignagni also read in part, “Preventive care can be a key to creating a healthier, more prosperous America. We must not allow confusion surrounding the recommendations of the USPSTF to prevent women from speaking with their physicians or obtaining beneficial preventative screenings, which can be the most effective course to ensuring one’s well-being.”

“There is no report, no study, and no research, which will help an individual woman understand her potential health risks better than her personal doctor,” said Congressman Cummings. “It is crucial that women consult with their physicians, create an individual plan for their healthcare, including screening, and that they take every step needed to maintain that plan.”

-30-

###