BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — American Cancer Society (ACS) advocates will head to the North Dakota State Capitol tomorrow with the intention of meeting with lawmakers to discuss reducing the cost of cancer treatment and detection. ACS Cancer Action Network (CAN) volunteers will urge lawmakers to pass legislation around prescription drug copay accumulator adjustments and supplemental breast cancer imaging during their Day at the Capitol. “North Dakota patients should not face large out-of-pocket costs to detect breast cancer early,” said Rep. Karen Karls, who is sponsoring House Bill 1216 on co-pay accumulators and is planning to sponsor the proposed legislation on supplemental imaging as well. “Early detection saves lives and money, and other states that have done this, like Montana, have found that the finances make sense.” Mammograms are the primary tool used in the early detection of breast cancer. In North Dakota, 72% of women 40-plus report getting one in the past two years, putting the Peace Garden State 17th among the 50 states and Puerto Rico. That number climbs to higher than 80% with women 50-plus, 10th in the nation. Even with these numbers, mammograms are not enough for everyone. Many North Dakotans require follow-up testing because of an abnormal finding or certain risk factors. This can cost thousands out of pocket. Sen. Hoeven recognizes ND National Guard members at southern border The legislation calls for all state-regulated health policies to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients who need diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. It would require that breast diagnostic mammograms (x-rays), breast ultrasounds, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are covered by insurers at no-cost-share when deemed medically necessary by the physician. This would allow North Dakotans to get all the screening they need without worrying about the toll it could take on their finances. Advocates will also ask lawmakers to pass copay accumulator adjustment legislation in order to increase access to prescription drugs. This will require that all prescription drug copayments made directly by patients or on their behalf count toward their overall out-of-pocket maximum or deductible. According to the press release, this would make cancer treatment more affordable and save some people from extra medical debt. A 2022 ACS CAN study found 31% of cancer patients and providers said that paying for prescriptions was a challenge, and 20% indicated that they skipped or delayed taking prescribed medication for financial reasons. “We need insurers to count copay assistance paid by or on behalf of an enrollee toward their annual deductibles and out-of-pocket limit to allow North Dakotas life-saving drugs,” Karls said. “This bill would be a step toward easing that problem.”  If you or your organization would like to join ACS CAN's fight against cancer, visit https://www.fightcancer.org/states/north-dakota. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW