On June 27, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation to increase access to breast cancer screenings, and build on the series of breast cancer initiatives outlined in the 2016 State of the State address. The Governor signed the legislation at Citi Field during New York State’s first-ever breast cancer motorcycle ride. Participants including Sandra Lee and Billy Joel joined the Governor on the ride to raise awareness of the disease across New York State.

The comprehensive legislation is the nation’s most aggressive breast cancer screening action plan, ensuring that women across the state have access to the health care and services they need and deserve. The NYS Department of Health Cancer Services Program provides free breast cancer screening to women in New York who don’t have health insurance (or insurance that does not cover the cost); who cannot pay; and who meet income eligibility and age requirements. The new law requires any general hospital and extension clinic providing mammography screening services certified under the Federal Mammography Screening Quality Act to offer extended hours on at least two days each week, for at least two hours each day offered, for a total of at least four hours each week, including, but not limited to the following times:

• Monday through Friday between 7:00 and 9:00 AM
• Monday through Friday between 5:00 and 7:00 PM or
• Saturday or Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM

It also eliminates insurance hurdles for mammograms and other screening and diagnostic imaging procedures to detect breast cancer. The Governor also announced a new text line to help women find mammogram locations. New Yorkers can text “Get Screened” to 81336, and after submitting their zip code, they will receive information about screening locations with extended hours near their home. Discover more about the “Get Screened, No Excuses” campaign HERE.