Breast MRI covered for cancer risk, but not always by insurance

Even with a doctor's recommendation due to cancer risk, many insurers like Anthem Blue Cross won't cover breast MRIs as preventive care, leaving patients with surprise bills up to $13,000. While mammograms are federally mandated for zero-cost preventive care, MRIs often fall into a different, more expensive category. This impacts people with high genetic risk who need more sensitive screening.