September 15, 2015 — The Susan G. Komen Illinois Affiliates applaud Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) on the passage of the Breast Cancer Excellence in Survival and Treatment Act (BEST Act, HB3673) into law.
The new legislation acts as an amendment to the Illinois Insurance Code and the Illinois Public Aid Code as it relates to coverage and payment for screening by low-dose mammography for all women 35 years of age or older for the presence of occult breast cancer.
Key components of the new legislation include:
- Requirement for all Medicaid health plans to include American College of Radiology Breast Centers of Imaging Excellence and Academic or Comprehensive Commission on Cancer Accredited centers in their networks, so that women can access the highest quality care;
- Establishment of a breast cancer treatment quality program and expanded help to women diagnosed with breast cancer who are navigating the healthcare system; and
- Ensuring medically necessary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening as recommended by a licensed physician will be covered by insurance in Illinois.
The final version of the legislation passed both houses on May 31, and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the bill into law on August 21.
Sean Tenner, Komen Chicago's board president, began working with Rep. Smiddy over 18 months ago when Smiddy's wife, Deb, was fighting breast cancer.
"We applaud Representative Smiddy on his efforts to ensure Illinois women have access to necessary breast health services, and making breast cancer a top priority this past legislative session," Tenner noted.
For more information: www.ilga.gov/legislation
February 18, 2026 
