BOSTON (WPRI) — Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, health insurers in Massachusetts will be required to cover additional screenings for patients who have abnormal mammograms or dense breast tissue. On Monday, Governor Maura Healey signed the bill that will require the additional coverage into law. BACKGROUND: Mass. lawmakers OK bill requiring insurers to cover breast cancer screenings According to the National Cancer Institute, dense breast tissue can make mammograms more difficult to interpret. As a result, mammographers are more likely to miss cancer in women with dense breasts. The National Cancer Institute also reports that nearly half of all women who are 40 or older have dense breast tissue. Under the new law, additional diagnostic exams, MRIs and ultrasounds will all be covered by insurance if a patient has dense breast tissue. "We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This legislation will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need,” Healey said in a press release. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute praised Healey for signing the bill into law. “We are so grateful to Governor Healey and the Legislature for supporting this critical legislation that will make cancer care more equitable and help save more lives from breast cancer," said Dr. Craig Bunnell, the institute's Chief Medical Officer. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW