New York, NY – During National Ovarian and Breast Cancer Awareness Months, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) announced legislation (A323) to require insurance companies to include coverage for comprehensive ovarian cancer screening. The bill would help prevent insurance companies from discriminating against individuals with high predispositions to cancer by requiring coverage upon recommendation of a physician.

“Comprehensive cancer screenings based on family and personal history are critical to early detection and a path towards successful treatment if a risk is identified. With so many factors contributing to ovarian cancer and advancements in the medical field to better test symptoms, increased access to screenings can help individuals prevent and manage a disease that often goes undetected until it is too late,” said Rozic.

Under the Affordable Care Act, genetic counseling and BRCA testing are covered at no out-of-pocket cost for women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Rozic’s bill addresses gaps in insurance coverage that often exclude women with prior personal history of ovarian cancer by requiring additional coverage for various services including but not limited to CT scans, MRIs, laparoscopies, and colonoscopies.

“Over 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and only 44% of women survive five years or more after being diagnosed with this insidious disease. However, when ovarian cancer is caught at an early stage, the five-year survival rate goes up to 92 percent,” says Kitty Silverman, NOCC New York City Chapter Manager. “All ovarian cancer patients should have access to the most up-to-date tests and treatments that are available in order to prolong and save lives.”

In addition to A323, Rozic sponsors legislation (A325) that would authorize the funding of grant proposals for breast and ovarian cancer research. Funding would come from The Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research and Education Fund and would be used for scientific research or educational projects approved by the State Department of Health.

Rozic has long supported efforts to increase access to cancer screenings and also carries legislation (A291) that would require insurance coverage of genetic testing for breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers. Most recently, she announced a new law that increases access to screenings by requiring extended hours for all health care facilities providing certified mammography screening services.