Woman Faces $1,200 Bill for a Preapproved Breast MRI Despite Washington State Law

A 43-year-old Washington woman at high risk for breast cancer owed $1,191 after her insurer paid just $13.90 for a preapproved breast MRI, despite a state law mandating coverage, KFF Health News reports.

• The woman’s doctor recommended annual screening breast MRI due to higher breast cancer risk.
• The scan was preapproved by her insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, but only $13.90 was paid, leaving the patient with a $1,191.10 bill.
• Her HR department later clarified that breast MRI is not covered as preventive screening under her employer-sponsored plan, making it subject to deductibles and coinsurance.

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