In March 2026, Wisconsin’s governor signed into law Senate Bill 264 (“Gail’s Law”). The legislation requires health insurance policies to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast screening for individuals at increased risk of breast cancer. The law removes cost-sharing requirements, ensuring that patients can access necessary follow-up care without financial burden.
The Story Behind “Gail’s Law”
The bill is named after Gail Zeamer, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016 despite consistently receiving annual mammograms. Zeamer had not been informed that she had dense breast tissue, a critical factor that can make cancer harder to detect.
Following her diagnosis, she became a dedicated advocate for improved awareness and access to care for individuals with dense breast tissue. Zeamer continued this advocacy until her passing in 2024, helping drive momentum behind legislation that would ultimately bear her name.
Why Breast Density Matters
Breast tissue composition plays a key role in cancer detection. Individuals with dense breasts have less fatty tissue and more glandular tissue, which can make it more difficult for mammograms to identify tumors. As a result, cancers are more likely to be missed without additional screening.
According to BreastCancer.org’s overview , dense breast tissue not only obscures tumors on imaging but is also associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Because cancer often develops in glandular tissue, supplemental imaging such as MRI or ultrasound is often recommended for these patients.
Progress and Remaining Barriers
Wisconsin previously took action in 2017 with Assembly Bill 653, which required that patients be notified about their breast density following a mammogram and informed if they could benefit from additional screening. This marked an important step forward in patient awareness and informed decision making.
However, a significant barrier remained. Follow-up diagnostic screenings such as breast MRIs often had to be paid out of pocket, with costs averaging around $1,000. As a result, many patients who could benefit from additional screening were unable to access it.
Closing the Financial Gap
“Gail’s Law” directly addresses this gap by requiring insurance coverage for follow-up screenings beyond standard mammograms for those at increased risk. By removing financial barriers, the law increases the likelihood that cancers will be detected earlier, when they are most treatable.
According to Susan G. Komen survival rate data, breast cancer diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 has an approximately 90-percent five-year survival rate. By contrast, cancers detected at Stage 4, after spreading to other parts of the body, have significantly lower survival rates.
“Gail’s Law” ensures that more individuals can focus on prevention, early detection, and working with their care teams to achieve the best possible outcomes.