U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have introduced the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act of 2021, a bill to preserve coverage for routine breast cancer screening for women in their 40s.

The bill extends a congressional moratorium, first passed in 2015, on recommendations made by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that would advise women to begin biennial breast cancer screenings at age 50 instead of annual screenings beginning at age 40. The PALS Act delays the recommendations in order to protect insurance coverage of annual breast cancer screenings at no cost for women aged 40 and older.

The PALS Act is cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.).

“Finding breast cancer early through screening has helped reduce breast cancer deaths among women,” Feinstein said. “Access to no-cost screenings – including for women in their 40s – is critical to continue the fight against this terrible disease. Notably, there was a significant decline in breast cancer screening during the pandemic. As we get back to regular doctor visits, our bill would ensure the cost of getting screened isn’t a barrier that further delays women from seeking preventive care.”

For information, visit feinstein.senate.gov.