MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A bill that would ensure insurance coverage for additional breast cancer screenings of dense breast tissue is moving to the Wisconsin Senate floor.

The Senate Health Committee voted unanimously (5-0) to send Gail’s Law out of committee on Monday.

Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition released the following statement regarding the passing.

“Today’s vote by the Senate Health Committee marks a critical step forward in our effort to ensure that no Wisconsin woman has to choose between her health and her finances when it comes to breast cancer screening. We are deeply grateful to the five state senators who voted unanimously in favor of Gail’s Law today, recognizing the urgency of removing cost barriers to life-saving supplemental and diagnostic imaging.

Their support brings us one step closer to aligning Wisconsin with the 30 other states that have already taken action to protect women at increased risk of breast cancer. But our work is not finished. The Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing this legislation through the full Legislature. We owe it to women across Wisconsin to finish the job and make early detection of breast cancer a reality for all – regardless of their insurance coverage.

We look forward to continuing our work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to bring this commonsense, lifesaving policy to the Senate floor, through the Assembly, and ultimately, to the Governor’s desk.”

On May 28,

Gail’s Bill

, which honors Gail Zeamer, was presented at the State Capitol. Zeamer died last June due to the deadly disease. This is the third session the bill has been heard.

In 2023, WMTV spoke with Zeamer about

this bill

.

Back in 2018, state law was passed to require facilities to notify certain women of their breast density. Gail’s Law would build on that law, and focus on insurance coverage for additional screenings needed for those diagnosed with dense breast tissue.

Gail’s daughter, Sophie Zeamer, testified last week and said she had to take this opportunity to continue her mom’s work.

“She worked tirelessly to get the breast density notification bill passed and then with this,” said Zeamer. “She was in last stages of Stage 4 cancer, and she was still putting in the hours.”



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