Speaker Ritter Honored for Breast Cancer Detection Legislation

November 1, 2022

 

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter was recognized by the Radiological Society of Connecticut for his leadership in the passage of two key pieces of legislation this year that can help to detect breast cancer earlier and treat it more comprehensively. 

  • One bill, Public Act 22-33, provides new resources to the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, to assist more women who need their annual mammogram, but who lack the financial resources to pay for it.  In addition, the law mandates that these women have the very best imaging test possible, called Breast Tomosynthesis, which is a three-dimensional mammogram that allows the physician to identify even the smallest of cancers earlier. 
  • The second piece of legislation provides major benefits to women who have their annual mammogram and, if there is a problem that requires follow-up treatment or surgery, it is provided to the patient without any out-of-pocket costs.  The new law, Public Act 22-90, takes effect on January 1, 2023.

“I am proud of the bipartisan action that the General Assembly took this year to enhance the services available to women who have their mammogram and breast imaging tests.  We all know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and that is precisely what these two pieces of legislation are designed to do,” Speaker Ritter said.

Dr. Jean Weigert praised Speaker Ritter for his leadership on policies that promote early detection.