The Wisconsin State Capitol dome in Madison. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation Thursday that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental screenings for women with dense breast tissue.
The measure known as “Gail’s Law” was inspired by a Neenah woman who died in 2024 after a late-stage diagnosis caused by undetected cancer in dense breast tissue.
The governor signed the legislation at the Wisconsin State Capitol Thursday, surrounded by Gail Zeamer’s husband, Steve, as well as Gail’s daughters, Sophie and Claudia, among others. The Assembly unanimously passed the bill last month on its last day of session, sending the measure to Evers’ desk.
Now 2025 Wisconsin Act 103, it requires health insurance policies, including BadgerCare, to fully cover medically necessary supplemental breast screenings or diagnostic breast examinations for those with dense breasts or who are at an increased risk of breast cancer.
“Gail Zeamer was a wife, a mother, and a fierce advocate, and hers is a story shared by countless women across this state each and every day. Unfortunately, the system failed her. But, today, thanks to Gail and her family and their relentless efforts, we’re working to fix the system to save lives and make sure Wisconsin women don’t have to go through the same thing she did,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “While Gail’s story and influence have helped us make important changes to state law, losing her far too soon due to a late-stage cancer diagnosis should never have been the outcome. Breast cancer is already one of the costliest cancers to treat, and by making these changes, we’re ensuring no woman slips through the cracks because they weren’t able to afford additional tests not covered by insurance. I’m also incredibly grateful to Steve, Sophie, and Claudia for their important work carrying on Gail’s legacy of advocacy and their efforts to improve the lives of women across our state.”
Inspired by her own breast cancer diagnosis, Gail first worked to pass the Breast Density Notification Act, requiring doctors to notify women if they have dense breast tissue. Gail’s Law goes a step further by making insurance companies obligated to cover annual supplemental screenings for women with dense breast tissue.
As Gail learned firsthand, dense breast tissue makes tumors harder to detect. Additional screening, like an ultrasound, is needed in order to find cancer.
According to Sophie, “The additional screening that she needed to find her cancer, she paid for out-of-pocket because insurance did not cover it.”
Some women forgo further testing because of the expense.
“We’re in this to save lives, you know? That is essentially what this bill will do in the long run,” added Sophie.
Three dozen other states already had laws on the books requiring supplemental screenings be covered by insurance.
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