Why did Gov. Stitt veto a breast cancer screening bill passed by lawmakers?

Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would have required insurance to cover advanced breast cancer screenings for high-risk women. The bill had strong bipartisan support and was aimed at improving early detection.

What did the vetoed bill aim to do?

House Bill 1389 would have required insurance plans to cover two advanced breast cancer screenings:

1. Contrast-enhanced mammograms
2. Molecular breast imaging

These tests help detect cancer earlier, especially in women with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer.

How did lawmakers vote on the bill?

The bill passed overwhelmingly in both the Oklahoma House and Senate with broad bipartisan support.

Why did Governor Kevin Stitt veto it?

Governor Kevin Stitt:

“It would’ve imposed new and costly insurance mandates on private health plans, which would actually raise premiums on Oklahoma families and businesses.”

Stitt said he sympathizes with women facing cancer, but believes the bill would increase costs across the board.

What do supporters of the bill say?

Breast cancer survivor Edie Tolbert says the bill would help women who need more than a basic mammogram to get a diagnosis.

“Early detection is a 99% survival rate… But after a standard screening, many women need additional tests they may not be able to afford,” Tolbert said.

Tolbert says her daughter needed an MRI after her first mammogram because of extremely dense breast tissue—something a regular scan couldn’t detect.

Why was this bill introduced?

Rep. Melissa Provenzano, who authored the bill, says it was inspired by a woman who nearly skipped a crucial test due to cost.

“Her insurance would only cover part of a diagnostic mammogram—leaving her with a $1,200 bill. That’s not right.”

What’s next?

Lawmakers are considering a veto override, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

What’s the concern if nothing changes?

Tolbert says women could delay or skip testing because of cost, leading to later-stage diagnoses.

“Over half the women I work with are in treatment. We can’t let financial barriers keep them from lifesaving care.”