Maryland § 20-116

§ 20-116.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Biennial” means once every other year.

        (3)    “Clinical breast examination” means a breast examination performed by a health care professional for the purpose of detecting breast cancer.

        (4)    “Eligible individual” means an individual who is eligible to receive benefits under the Program in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.

        (5)    “Mammogram” means an X-ray examination of the breast using dedicated equipment, including X-ray tube, filter, compression device, screens, films, and cassettes, specifically for mammography that delivers an average radiation exposure of less than one rad mid-breast with two views for each breast.

        (6)    “Mastectomy” means the surgical removal of all or part of a breast as a result of breast cancer.

        (7)    “Program” means the Breast Cancer Program.

    (b)    (1)    The Department shall establish a Breast Cancer Program.

        (2)    The purpose of the Program is to:

            (i)    Provide at least biennial screening mammograms and clinical breast examinations to low-income, underinsured and low-income, uninsured women aged 40 years to 49 years;

            (ii)    Provide annual screening mammograms and clinical breast examinations to low-income, underinsured and low-income, uninsured women aged 50 years and older; and

            (iii)    Provide diagnosis and treatment for individuals who are identified by this Program as being in need.

    (c)    Treatment provided to a Program participant who has undergone a mastectomy shall include:

        (1)    Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed;

        (2)    Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance;

        (3)    Prostheses; and

        (4)    Any physical complications related to the mastectomy.

    (d)    The Department shall administer the Program through the local health departments using a grant program under which a local health department makes arrangements with health care facilities to provide screening mammograms and clinical breast examinations to eligible individuals.

    (e)    An individual is eligible for the Program if the individual:

        (1)    Has a family income that does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty level; and

        (2)    Does not have access to health insurance coverage that covers screening mammograms and clinical breast examinations for women aged 40 years and older.

    (f)    For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include an appropriation of general funds to the Program in an amount not less than the amount appropriated for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the State budget for fiscal year 1999, subject to the availability of State funds.

    (g)    The Department shall:

        (1)    Adopt regulations necessary to implement the Program; and

        (2)    Work with all interested parties to assure that breast cancer screening services are available to women at least 40 years old.