Worcester, Mass. – January 1, 2026:  As of January 1, 2026, Saint Vincent Hospital is ready to support the state’s new ACT Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection that expands insurance coverage for critical diagnostic exams.  Signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in 2024, the legislation ensures coverage for additional mammogram views, diagnostic ultrasound exams, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), and breast MRI scans. These expanded benefits make life-saving early detection more accessible to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of income.

Saint Vincent Hospital now offers ABUS technology, enhancing its ability to provide precise, comprehensive breast cancer screenings.  ABUS can be particularly effective in detecting cancer in women with dense breast tissue, reported as Category C and D, where traditional mammography alone may miss abnormalities.

Key aspects of the new legislation include:

• Expanded Coverage: Insurers will cover diagnostic breast exams, digital breast tomosynthesis screening, and medically necessary screening with breast MRIs, ultrasounds, and ABUS.
• Access to Early Detection: Updated HRSA Women’s Preventive Services guidelines broaden the range of covered preventive care, including ultrasounds, MRIs, and needle biopsies when medically necessary.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Women at average risk will continue to receive routine mammograms starting at age 40, while those with dense breast tissue or higher-risk factors will have access to advanced screening options with no increase in cost-sharing.

“Early detection of breast cancer is critical to improving outcomes and saving lives,” said Dr. Neha Modi, Radiologist and Director of the Breast Imaging and Intervention Division at Saint Vincent Hospital. “With the new legislation taking effect this month, patients will no longer face financial barriers to accessing the screenings they need. These changes allow us to detect cancer earlier, especially for women with dense breast tissue or other risk factors, giving them a better chance for successful treatment.”

Saint Vincent Hospital is committed to supporting patients through these important changes and ensuring access to advanced, life-saving breast care for the community.

About Saint Vincent Hospital 

Saint Vincent Hospital is an acute care teaching hospital providing general and tertiary medical services to residents of Worcester and Central Massachusetts. From newborns to seniors, Saint Vincent Hospital is built on care and has a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including open-heart surgery, neurosurgery, cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics and the Saint Vincent Cancer and Wellness Center. Saint Vincent Hospital was founded by the Sisters of Providence and has over a century-long tradition providing quality healthcare. It was the first hospital in Central Massachusetts to offer robotically assisted surgical procedures and minimally invasive, computer-assisted joint replacements. U.S. News & World Report named Saint Vincent Hospital a 2025-2026 Best Regional Hospital and recognized ten high performing specialty care areas including: Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Diabetes, Hip Replacement, Kidney Failure, Knee Replacement, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, Heart Arrhythmia.  Saint Vincent Hospital is located at 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA and has a variety of medical group locations throughout the region. To learn more, visit www.StVincentHospital.com.