MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Blackmon

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-9-108, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED IN THIS STATE SHALL INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR ANNUAL SCREENINGS BY LOW-DOSE MAMMOGRAPHY FOR THE PRESENCE OF BREAST CANCER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 83-9-108, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

83-9-108. (1) Every insurer shall offer in each group or individual policy, contract or certificate of health insurance issued or renewed for persons who are residents of this state, coverage for annual screenings by low-dose mammography for all women thirty-five (35) years of age or older for the presence of occult breast cancer within the provisions of the policy, contract or certificate. This coverage shall be offered on an optional basis, and each primary insured must accept or reject such coverage in writing and accept responsibility for premium payment.

(2) Such benefits shall be at least as favorable as for other radiological examinations and subject to the same dollar limits, deductibles and coinsurance factors. For purposes of this section, "low-dose mammography" means the x-ray examination of the breast using equipment dedicated specifically for mammography, including the x-ray tube, filter, compression device, screens, films and cassettes with a radiation exposure which is diagnostically valuable and in keeping with the recommended "Average Patient Exposure Guides" as published by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc.

(3) Except for cancer policies, nothing in this section shall apply to accident-only, specified disease, hospital indemnity, * * * long-term care or limited benefit health insurance policies.

(4) This section shall apply to all Medicare supplement policies, contracts or certificates delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.