Health Insurance Industry, Doctors At Odds Over Study

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Federal law mandates that medicare covers annual mammograms for women 40 and above.  But many people are now concerned new recommendations against annual mammogram screenings will change that and have a ripple affect on private insurance to cover basic mammograms.

Susan Pisano, with the America's Health Insurance Plan, says, "My understanding is coverage won't change under the age of 50."

The organization represents 1,300 insurance companies and insures 200 million Americans. 

Pisano says, "The guideline says two things. It recommends against routine mammograms for those under 50.  But it says the decision should be an individual one between a doctor and a patient."

Some doctors are worried that women under 50 will fall through the cracks. 

Dr. Rachel Brem is a George Washington University faculty member and the Breast Imaging Intervention Director. She says, "It's a travesty. No doubt the impact we'll see a significant decline in women having proper mammography and lose the opportunity to find early, small curable breast cancers."

The task force says cost cutting was not a factor in this study. 

9NEWS NOW checked out the cost of mammograms in general.
In the 40-49 age group there are more than 15 and a half million women who get mammograms at an average cost of $150 each, annually. That equals roughly $2.3 billion. 

Brem says, "If cost didn't come in to it, it's very difficult to understand what motivated the task force."

Pisano says, "What we are hearing is if a woman and her physician decide to go ahead with a screening mammogram earlier than age 50 that it will be covered typically by health insurance."

The health insurance industry says it's important for you to talk with your doctor to figure out the best screening plan for you.