Wisconsin Bill 'Gail's Law' Aims to Increase Access to Supplemental Breast Cancer Screenings

The proposed law would require insurance coverage for MRIs and ultrasounds with no co-pays for women with dense breast tissue or high-risk factors.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new Wisconsin bill known as 'Gail's Law' would require insurance companies to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings such as MRIs and ultrasounds with no co-pays for women with dense breast tissue or high-risk factors. The bill is named after late advocate Gail Zeamer, who fought for improved access to early detection after her own dense breast tissue masked cancer during a standard mammogram. The Wisconsin Senate and Assembly have both passed the bill, and it only needs the governor's signature to become law.

Why it matters

Breast cancer is a major health concern, with the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition estimating nearly 6,000 women will be diagnosed and hundreds will die each year in the state. 'Gail's Law' aims to improve early detection and save lives by ensuring women with dense breast tissue or high-risk factors can access supplemental screenings that are more effective at finding cancer.

The details

The proposed 'Gail's Law' would require insurance companies to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings like MRIs and ultrasounds with no out-of-pocket costs for women with dense breast tissue or increased risk factors. This addresses a key issue Gail Zeamer faced, as her dense breast tissue masked cancer during a standard mammogram, leading to a delayed Stage 3 diagnosis. The bill has now passed both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support.

  • In 2018, Gail Zeamer helped create a law requiring doctors to notify women if they have dense breast tissue.
  • Gail Zeamer started advocating for the proposed 'Gail's Law' around 9 years ago, while fighting her own breast cancer battle.
  • Gail Zeamer passed away in 2024, but the bill took on her name after her death.
  • The Wisconsin Senate passed 'Gail's Law' 32-1 in fall 2025.
  • The Wisconsin Assembly passed 'Gail's Law' 96-0 last week.

The players

Gail Zeamer

A late advocate who fought for improved access to early breast cancer detection after her own dense breast tissue masked cancer during a standard mammogram.

Steve Zeamer

Gail Zeamer's widower, who is thankful the proposed 'Gail's Law' will help countless women across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition

An organization that estimates nearly 6,000 women a year will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Wisconsin, with hundreds dying.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers

The governor who needs to sign 'Gail's Law' for it to become law in the state.

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What they’re saying

“And the fact that this can help countless women across the state of Wisconsin is a fantastic thing.”

— Steve Zeamer, Gail Zeamer's widower

“We now have the medical technology to diagnose these cancers earlier. And the fact that there were financial limitations that stopped women from getting the access that they needed. As time has progressed here, and the technology has gotten better, it's easier now to catch these cancers earlier.”

— Steve Zeamer, Gail Zeamer's widower

“This was such a passion project for her that, for our daughters, and to get this done for her, it means the world. And I'm just thankful to everyone involved.”

— Steve Zeamer, Gail Zeamer's widower

What’s next

Once 'Gail's Law' is signed by Governor Tony Evers, it will go into effect and require insurance companies in Wisconsin to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings with no co-pays for women with dense breast tissue or high-risk factors.

The takeaway

This proposed 'Gail's Law' in Wisconsin represents an important step forward in improving access to early breast cancer detection, which could save thousands of lives. By ensuring women with dense breast tissue or high-risk factors can get supplemental screenings covered, it addresses a critical gap in current healthcare coverage and honors the legacy of advocate Gail Zeamer.