Conn. governor signs 3D mammo bill

Gov. Dannel Malloy of Connecticut has signed legislation that requires insurance companies to pay for 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis), according to a June 2 story from the New Haven Register.

The addition of 3D mammography is estimated to cost $9.2 million for 2017 and $10 million for 2018. The bill's supporters disputed the figures, however, citing 3D mammography's higher accuracy, which will likely defray some of the costs associated with the new equipment centers will need to purchase.

It will also lower the costs of additional visits and recalls for false positives that are expected to decline in number, the bill's advocates said. In addition, fewer 2D tests will be performed, reducing the cost of those exams.