Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and John Boozman (R-AR) have introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act. The bipartisan bill aims to expand breast cancer screening options for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The legislation would make permanent a pilot program that provides telescreening mammography for veterans in states where the VA does not offer full-service mammography. Under this program, mammograms are conducted at VA facilities and images are sent to specialized centers for interpretation by qualified radiologists. The current pilot is scheduled to end in May 2026, but since its launch in 2023 at five sites across West Virginia, New York, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts, it has provided over 7,400 screenings as of June 2025.
Senator Blumenthal said, “Fighting breast cancer requires early detection. It is imperative we expand VA’s capacity to conduct mammograms and ensure veterans have access to these critical screenings no matter where they live. These screenings save lives, and are particularly important given veterans’ increased rates of cancers due to factors like toxic exposure.”
“With women being the fastest-growing demographic within VA, it is essential that we prioritize services that promote their health and well-being,” said Senator Moran. “This bill makes certain that women’s health and safety remain at the forefront of VA health care and that breast cancer screenings are easily accessible for our nation’s veterans.”
Senator Hirono noted disparities in access: “Breast cancer screenings are a critical component of women’s health, yet there are many states where women veterans do not have access to this life-saving prevention tool. Every veteran deserves access to the medical care and services they need, regardless of where they live, to ensure they can stay safe and healthy. This legislation is an important step in expanding VA’s ability to provide women veterans with mammography services in remote and rural areas to better promote the health and well-being of our veterans.”
Senator Boozman highlighted trends among younger servicemembers: “We know early detection and treatment are critical to fighting breast cancer, which is growing more prevalent among younger servicemembers and veterans. Permanently authorizing funding I helped champion to ensure they always have access to modern breast imaging capabilities will save and enhance lives. I am proud to help lead the bipartisan, commonsense push to ensure the VA meets this need for those who serve our nation – including those living in rural or underserved areas.”
If passed, the act would require each state either offer telescreening mammography programs or provide full-service or mobile options through the VA. This would address gaps in states such as Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The legislative effort has received support from several major veteran advocacy organizations including Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN).
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter from IAVA stated: “Women veterans have earned the same timely high-quality health care as every other veteran including seamless access to mammography. It is ridiculous that in 2025 many still have to fight for basic breast cancer screening...IAVA proudly supports this bill and every policy that honors the service and sacrifice of ALL those who wore the uniform.”
Major Gen. April Vogel from MOAA added: “MOAA strongly supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act because no veteran should face barriers to essential preventive care...Building on the success of the MOAA-backed MAMMO Act enacted in 2022 this bill offers a commonsense solution that saves lives and reinforces VA’s commitment to veterans’ health.”
Joy Ilem from DAV commented: “The VA's telescreening mammography program is a proven lifesaver that strengthens health equity for our veterans...By removing barriers to timely preventive care for women veterans and those with disabilities we can save more lives."
Heather Ansley from PVA remarked: "Currently almost half of the states across the country lack a VA facility with an in-house mammography program...This legislation permanently authorizes the tele mammography program fills critical gaps for veterans trying to access care."
Jose Ramos from WWP said: "With one in eight women veterans in VA care expected to develop breast cancer timely access to preventive care and treatment is critical."
