Berry: Vote for Catherine Rombeau, Saving Money and Saving Lives

In New Hampshire, nearly 1,400 NH residents were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. I was one of those people. Fortunately, thanks to Medicare and my own supplemental insurance, I was able to obtain the essential diagnostic and supplemental imaging that led to successful treatment of my cancer, at no additional cost to me.

However, this has not been the case for all individuals. An estimated 12% of people are called back for additional imaging after a mammogram, with out-of-pocket costs ranging from $234 to more than $1000. A recent study found that 1 in 5 patients said they would not go in for recommended follow-up imaging if they had to pay additional costs. Failure to do so can result in poorer health outcomes.

HB 1296, sponsored by State Representative Catherine Rombeau (D- Bedford) and passed with bipartisan support, eliminates barriers to care so that people with state-regulated health plans can receive their medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental imaging without any patient cost sharing. This can lead to an earlier breast cancer diagnosis and better health outcomes.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Representative Rombeau for her efforts for the citizens of New Hampshire in sponsoring and promoting the passage of this life-saving bill. All NH residents deserve the same chance at good health that I have been so fortunate to receive.

Please join me on November 5 in voting to re-elect Catherine Rombeau as our State Representative from Bedford.

Jane Berry

Bedford NH