Res. No. 1813
Title
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass Senate Bill No.548 to increase Medicare reimbursements for mammograms.
Body
By Council Members Quinn, Robles, Provenzano, Rivera, Clarke, Eisland, Espada, Freed, Henry, Koslowitz, Linares, Marshall, Miller, Nelson, Golden and Oddo; also Council Members Carrion, Dear, Malave-Dilan, Eldridge, Fisher, Harrison, Leffler, Michels, O'Donovan, Pinkett, Robinson, Sabini and Wooten
Whereas, According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), a mammography is a necessary tool for early detection in the fight against breast cancer; and
Whereas, ACS states that early detection examinations help save thousands of lives each year; and
Whereas, Some cancers can be found early by self-examinations, physical examinations by health professionals, laboratory tests or specialized x-rays, such as mammographies; and
Whereas, Diagnosing breast cancer as early as possible greatly improves the likelihood that treatment will be successful; and
Whereas, A physical examination absent a mammography increases the odds of failing to detect breast cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel; and
Whereas, ACS recommends that for early breast cancer detection, women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year; and
Whereas, The cost to a facility of performing a mammogram is close to one hundred dollars, while the current rate for reimbursement from Medicare is only $67 for a screening mammogram and $81 for a diagnostic exam; and
Whereas, An increase in the Medicare reimbursement rate would compel private insurance companies to also increase their reimbursement rate; and
Whereas, An increase in the reimbursement rate would allow health facilities to provide mammographies to women who would otherwise have been unable to cover the cost of a mammography; and
Whereas, Access to mammographies is primary in the fight against breast cancer; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass Senate Bill No.548 to increase Medicare reimbursements for mammograms
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