New York Breast Screening and Diagnostic Imaging Law 2026: Insurance Coverage for Mammograms, Ultrasound, and MRI

3 min read

The start of the new year brings meaningful changes to healthcare accessibility in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a series of affordable healthcare laws effective January 1, 2026. These help make EpiPens for serious allergies more affordable and requires insurance to cover cooling caps that can reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. A key part of these new laws is that insurance now covers breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging.

Simply put, the goal is to make sure cost isn’t a reason to delay important care.

What the Expanded Insurance Coverage Includes

The new law requires health insurance plans (including individual, group, and non-profit or HMO plans) to provide coverage for breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging when a healthcare provider recommends it based on nationally recognized guidelines.

This coverage includes:

  • Diagnostic mammograms
  • Breast ultrasounds
  • Breast MRIs

The best part? For most plans, you will not pay a copay or deductible for these covered services. This means the imaging could cost you little to nothing.

Available LabFinder Breast Imaging Exams

If you have a recommendation for breast imaging, you can learn more and schedule through LabFinder using the links below:

Screening Mammogram
A routine breast cancer screening X-ray that checks for early signs of breast cancer in people without symptoms.

Diagnostic Mammogram
A more detailed mammogram used to evaluate breast symptoms or follow up on an abnormal screening mammogram result.

Breast Ultrasound
A breast imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate breast lumps, breast pain, or dense breast tissue, often as a follow up to a mammogram.

Breast MRI
A high sensitivity breast imaging exam that uses magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate breast tissue, often for high risk screening or further evaluation after other breast imaging.

Screening Mammogram with Breast Ultrasound
A combined screening option that pairs a routine mammogram with breast ultrasound, often used for dense breasts or when additional screening is recommended.

Diagnostic Mammogram with Breast Ultrasound
A combined diagnostic breast imaging visit that includes a diagnostic mammogram plus breast ultrasound to evaluate symptoms or clarify abnormal breast imaging findings.

Booking an Appointment through LabFinder

Understanding your insurance benefits is key to accessing the care you need. When your healthcare provider recommends a breast screening or diagnostic exam, the next step is scheduling it conveniently at a trusted facility.

LabFinder is designed to support you through this process. Our platform helps you maximize your insurance benefits by allowing you to search and compare radiology centers that match your coverage. Scheduling is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps:

1.  Select the exam recommended by your provider.

2.  Choose your preferred insurance, date, time, and location.

3.  Provide the required information to finalize the appointment.

Some imaging is performed under clinician oversight. All results are delivered securely to your patient portal.

Staying informed about your health coverage is an important part of wellness. These new laws aim to make essential services more accessible, and LabFinder is here to provide a clear path to scheduling the care you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Coverage rules can vary by plan and network, even under new state requirements. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice and to determine the appropriate screening schedule for your individual health needs.