Women Worry Over Insurance Coverage for Mammograms

Sandy Springs-- In the wake of a controversial task force report that recommends women receive mammograms at age 50 rather than 40, some worry that insurance companies will stop paying for some procedures.

For Lisa Schall, that once a year date with the machine that will mash and probe for possible signs of breast cancer is a stressful one.

This year, there is added stress.

"Insurance companies are looking for ways not to pay for things right now," says Schall. "If the recommendations change, I have no doubt that will change, too."

Her concerns are voiced by many other women who are reacting to the report of the U.S Prevention Services Task Force that says mammograms have a bigger downside than benefit for women under 50.

Georgia law mandates that insurance companies pay for mammograms, although there are exemptions.

One lawmaker says any attempt to drop the mandate will meet with stiff opposition.

"There will be people who will opportunistically try to take away these mandated coverage provisions," says Georgia State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver. "I feel confident with the women leadership in the capitol that mandate coverage for mammograms will continue to be the law."

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia tells 11Alive that despite the task force recommendations, the insurance company's position will remain unchanged for the immediate future. In a statement, a spokesperson says the insurance company will continue to consider mammograms medically necessary for women in their 40s.

State Insurance Commissioner John Oxindine says he doubts any private insurance companies will change their coverage policies.

Lisa Shchall says no matter what happens, she'll be back next year for her date with that sterile mammogram machine.

"It's just not worth not doing it,.whether you have to pay for it yourself or not," says Schall.