A dark money attack ad is currently running in the hotly contested Republican primary between North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger and challenger Sam Page.
The ad claims that Senator Berger “blocked a Republican bill that would have required insurance companies to pay for expanded cancer screenings.”
This claim is false on multiple counts.
First, the bill cited is House Bill 297. The legislation is not a Republican bill. Its lead sponsor is Charlotte Democrat and Joint Caucus Chair Mary Belk.
Second, insurance companies already pay for the screenings referenced in House Bill 297.
All preventive breast screenings, as defined by medical experts with the US Preventive Task Force, are covered with no out of pocket costs.
Advanced diagnostic screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, are also covered at full benefit levels under existing insurance plans.
The ad further claims that “patients go without coverage.” That is misleading. The breast screenings addressed in House Bill 297 are already covered by insurance today.
While many political ads stretch the truth, this one goes further – creating unnecessary fear and confusion about access to cancer screenings.
No woman at risk for breast cancer should have to see a political ad and question whether her screening is covered.
Suggesting such could discourage people from seeking care when they need it most.
.jpeg)
