Advocates Push to Remove Costs for Breast MRI Scans

Local patients are working to eliminate co-pays of up to $2,000 for essential breast cancer screening MRIs.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cancer

Gouache-painted illustration of a luminous circular ring, representing medical imaging, centered in a quiet space. — Advocates in Cincinnati are pushing to eliminate co-pays for breast cancer MRI screenings to remove financial barriers to critical diagnostic imaging for patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Cincinnati resident Michele Young, a co-founder of the Pink Eraser Project, is advocating for broader insurance coverage for breast MRI screenings. Young, who has managed metastatic breast cancer for nine years, is pushing to eliminate out-of-pocket costs that often range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Why it matters

Financial barriers often prevent patients from accessing advanced diagnostic imaging that can detect breast cancer early. Advocates argue that removing co-pays for essential screenings like MRIs is a critical step in improving health outcomes for those at high risk.

Breast MRIs typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000 out-of-pocket, creating a significant barrier for patients who require regular monitoring. The status of legislation aimed at eliminating these costs remains unresolved, as the relevant bill is currently stalled in committee.

The players

Michele Young

A Cincinnati-based stage four metastatic breast cancer patient and co-founder of the Pink Eraser Project, which advocates for improved screening access.

Pink Eraser Project

An advocacy group working to remove financial and medical barriers for women seeking breast cancer screenings and treatments.

The details

Breast MRIs are specialized diagnostic tools that use magnetic fields to provide detailed images of breast tissue. For patients like Young, who has managed stage four metastatic disease for nine years, these screenings are essential for monitoring cancer progression or recurrence. While Ohio passed House Bill 371 five years ago to improve general screening access, advocates are now working to address remaining gaps that specifically impact the affordability of high-resolution imaging.

2021: Ohio House Bill 371 passed to improve screening access.
2025: Cancer spread to the spine and liver.
March 2026: Patient showed no evidence of disease.

Health Landscape

This advocacy effort seeks to build upon the foundation established by Ohio House Bill 371 by addressing remaining financial gaps in high-resolution diagnostic imaging. It reflects a broader movement to ensure that essential screening technology remains accessible as a standard of care.

Patients who require regular breast MRI surveillance should discuss cost-assistance programs or potential insurance coverage gaps with their healthcare providers. It is worth tracking local legislative updates regarding screening mandates, as these changes can directly impact out-of-pocket expenses for diagnostic imaging.

The takeaway

Advocates continue to push for the elimination of high out-of-pocket costs that prevent patients from accessing critical breast MRI screenings. If you require regular breast imaging, consult your physician to verify coverage and identify any available financial support programs for your diagnostic needs.