SB 177 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Health; to require that coverage for breast cancer screening be provided without charging an insured a deductible or copayment

SB 177 requires all health benefit plans sold in Alabama to cover breast cancer screening and diagnostic breast exams without charging insured individuals any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. It directly affects Alabamians who rely on health insurance for these services, expanding existing coverage for mammograms (for women 40+) to include diagnostic imaging of breast abnormalities. The bill mandates that insurers provide these specific screenings at no out-of-pocket cost, applying to all health benefit plans (excluding limited policies like dental or accident coverage). The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 4 edits · Feb 10, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its introduced version to its engrossed version after passing the Senate, incorporating specific amendments to the definitions of breast examinations and the effective date. The changes clarify the types of diagnostic technologies covered and expand the list of entities considered health benefit plans.

Scope change

The scope was slightly expanded by adding 'nonprofit agricultural organizations' and 'other entities that pay for, purchase, or reimburse for health care services' to the definition of a health benefit plan, while also refining the specific technologies listed under diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Diagnostic Breast Examination' was updated to explicitly list 'contrast-enhanced mammography' and clarify that the technology is used to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected from a screening exam or detected by other means.

The definition of 'Supplemental Breast Examination' was revised to specify that it is used to screen for breast cancer when no abnormality is seen or suspected, based on risk factors like dense tissue or family history.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of 'Health Benefit Plan' was expanded to include nonprofit agricultural organizations providing health benefits and any other entity that pays for, purchases, or reimburses health care services.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the bill was changed from October 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Insurance)

lower

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 348

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Coleman-Madison motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 347

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Introduced

Coleman-Madison 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Coleman-Madison motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 346

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Coleman-Madison motion to Table - Adopted Voice Vote

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Introduced

Banking and Insurance 1st Amendment Offered (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Introduced

Banking and Insurance 2nd Amendment Offered (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Introduced

Banking and Insurance 2nd Amendment (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Introduced

Banking and Insurance 1st Amendment (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Banking and Insurance)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors