Minnesota's major health insurers say they have no plans to reduce coverage for mammograms, despite the new federal guidelines issued this week.
Medica, the state's second-largest insurer, and HealthPartners, the third-largest, said they cover mammograms for women as long as a doctor orders it. "We leave it up to the physician and patient to decide," Medica spokesman Greg Bury said, adding that Medica has paid for mammograms for women even younger than 40.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield, the state's largest health insurer, said: "We are evaluating the research and reviewing the new guidelines, but currently have no plans to make any changes in our coverage policy. We will cover mammography for women regardless of age if recommended by their personal physician."
