AUGUSTA — Senator David Miramant, D-Camden, introduced Thursday a bill that would require health insurers to cover ultrasound exams, according to a news release. 

LD 599, "An Act To Require Coverage for Certain Ultrasound Exams,” would require insurance carriers to provide coverage in health plans for ultrasound services when a provider considers the procedure necessary during a physical or a preventive exam.

LD 599, “An Act To Require Coverage for Certain Ultrasound Exams,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.

“Insurance companies should never come between a patient and their health care provider. Ultrasounds are used in a variety of diagnostic procedures, including as an alternative to a mammogram,” said Sen. Miramant. “No one should be forced into debt because their doctor determined that they needed a common diagnostic procedure used to detect potential breast cancer, and no one should put off a preventive ultrasound for fear of an expensive bill. It’s time to make sure that these important, lifesaving diagnostic procedures are covered by all insurers.”

LD 599 now faces further action in committee.