Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) said he plans to introduce a bill this week that would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for mammograms, with the aim of reversing a decline in the number of women receiving the exams, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Weiner said the measure, called the "Assure Access to Mammography Act," would help clinics offering mammograms stay open.

According to a report released last week by Weiner, the number of mammography clinics nationwide has decreased by more than 1,200, or 12%, since 1999 (Wessel, Orlando Sentinel, 7/31). The average cost for a mammogram has increased by 25% to $125 since 2005, while the Medicare reimbursement increased by 2% to $83.69 during the same time period, the report found. Sixty-seven mammography facilities have closed in New York City since 1999, a 26% decrease, according to the report (Weiner release, 7/22). The number of certified mammography clinics in Florida also decreased from 505 to 456 since 2001, according to the American Cancer Society.

Nina Entrekin, director of cancer prevention and detection for ACS's Florida division, said low Medicare reimbursements for mammograms has caused many clinics to close, leaving longer wait times at other clinics that might discourage some women from undergoing the screening (Orlando Sentinel, 7/31). Wait times for mammograms in New York City have increased 171% in the last decade, according Weiner's report.

"Increasing access to mammograms clearly saves lives," Weiner said, adding, "Raising the reimbursement rate will ensure that women have increased options to protect their most important asset, their health" (Weiner release, 7/22). Entrekin said that if the decline in national mammogram rates during the past five years is not reversed, breast cancer mortality rates could increase (Orlando Sentinel, 7/31).

ABC's "World News" on Tuesday reported on declining mammogram rates. The segment includes comments from Lisa Carey of University of North Carolina's School of Medicine and David Dershaw, director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (McKenzie, "World News," ABC, 7/31). A video excerpt of the segment also is available online. Expanded ABC News coverage is available online.