The final healthcare bill is likely to require coverage for more mammograms than new guidelines recommend after women's groups, doctors and imaging-equipment makers stepped up pressure on lawmakers. Many doctors and patient groups have long supported early, frequent screening for breast cancer. In November, the federally funded U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said routine mammograms weren't necessary for women in their 40s who have normal cancer risk. But in the Senate, lawmakers have approved an amendment from Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D, MD) to its health-overhaul bill that effectively nullified the new guidelines and promised mammogram coverage for women starting at age 40.
