(Feb. 2, 2026) – Today, the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 409. The bill would prohibit cost-sharing requirements for insureds for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations for breast cancer.

Proponents included State Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, who shared her personal cancer journey; Dr. Amy Patel, Medical Director at Liberty Hospital; Ryan Reeza with Susan G. Komen; Dr. Michael Marrow with the Breast Cancer Imaging Center in Wichita; Megan Word with the American Cancer Society; and Peggy Johnson, a breast cancer survivor. Written testimony was provided by Representative Laura Williams (R-Lenexa) and Representative Linda Featherston (D-Overland Park). Committee member Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora) asked how many plans in Kansas aren’t under the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner and which plans are under federal oversight. Insurance staff clarified that this isn’t a new mandate and is broader, so it can be under state jurisdiction.

Opposition testimony came from Andrew Wiens of Kansans Employers for Affordable Healthcare, as well as written opposition from William Wilk of the Kansas Chamber.

The committee will meet again tomorrow and will begin working on bills at the end of each meeting.