Alabama Legislation Eliminates Financial Barriers to Critical Breast Imaging

Bill would help thousands across the state afford necessary breast cancer screening and detection care.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Alabama legislature has introduced bills to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients who require diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging tests like mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. The legislation aims to remove financial barriers that often force individuals to forgo these medically necessary screenings that can detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Why it matters

Thousands of Alabamians currently skip critical breast cancer screening due to the high out-of-pocket costs, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This legislation would ensure equitable access to preventive care and enable earlier detection, leading to better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs.

The details

HB 300 and SB 177 would eliminate patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging tests. These tests are often required when a mammogram reveals an abnormality or an individual is at higher risk of breast cancer, but the exorbitant costs frequently force people to forgo the follow-up care.

  • The bills were introduced in the Alabama legislature in January 2026.

The players

Representative Frances Holk-Jones

A Republican state representative from Foley, Alabama who introduced HB 300 to eliminate financial barriers to breast cancer screening.

Senator Linda Coleman-Madison

A Democratic state senator from Birmingham, Alabama who introduced SB 177 to eliminate financial barriers to breast cancer screening.

Susan G. Komen

The world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, which commends the state legislators for introducing this legislation.

Molly Guthrie

The Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody should be forced to skip medical care that helps to detect breast cancer early because of the cost, yet thousands of Alabamians are forced to make that decision every year.”

— Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen

“I'm proud to carry HB 300 in the Alabama House of Representatives because expanding access to breast cancer screening without out-of-pocket costs will save lives across our state. When we remove financial barriers to preventative care, we give Alabama women and their families the best chance to catch cancer early—when it's most treatable.”

— Representative Frances Holk-Jones

“Early detection, intervention, and early prevention of breast cancer can mean the difference between long term medical care, chemotherapy, and higher medical costs. Alabama is one of only 20 states that has not enacted legislation that supports diagnostic screening when abnormalities are detected. SB 177 would put the state of Alabama among those states that support women's health. I am honored to offer this bill that will assist in improving the physical health for all women and encourage my colleagues in the legislature to support to pass SB 177.”

— Senator Linda Coleman-Madison

What’s next

The bills will now proceed through the Alabama legislature, with the goal of being passed into law.

The takeaway

This legislation is a critical step in ensuring all Alabama women have access to the breast cancer screening they need, regardless of their ability to pay. By removing financial barriers, the state can improve early detection rates and health outcomes, ultimately reducing the overall burden of breast cancer on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.