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NY Expands Insurance Coverage Of Mammograms For Women

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Large group insurers are now required to cover all medically necessary mammograms for women age 35 to 39 in New York state.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation making the change on Friday.

Under current law, many insurance companies are only required to cover mammograms for women older than 40.

MORE: Inspired By Young Teacher's Death, Lawmakers Pushing For Health Coverage For Mammograms To Start At Age 35

The measure is known as Shannon's Law after Shannon Saturno, a Long Island woman who died from breast cancer at age 31.

Sen. Monica Martinez, a Long Island Democrat who sponsored the bill, says it's imperative to ensure that women under 40 have access to potentially life-saving early screening.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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