WATERLOO, Iowa (October 3, 2018)—Representatives on both sides of the aisle introduced the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act bill that, if passed, will expand Medicare coverage to include custom breast prostheses as an option for women recovering from mastectomy surgery.
The bipartisan bill HR 6980 was co-sponsored by Representatives Rod Blum (R-IA) and Judy Chu (D-CA).
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleague, Representative Chu, to provide women with coverage of more options following a mastectomy,” said Blum. “As breast cancer rates continue to rise and we work towards finding a cure, it is important to help the women who are fighting this battle and ensure they have options following this life-changing procedure.”
“Women who have undergone a mastectomy deserve to have every reconstructive option. Yet, currently, Medicare only covers two: the most basic—off-the-shelf breast prostheses—and the most comprehensive—reconstruction,” said Chu. “This bill would correct that by requiring Medicare to cover a third option: custom prostheses. This is important for women who want breasts that are the appropriate size and skin color but do not want to undergo reconstructive surgery. Medicare should not be limiting reasonable options that allow women to live normal lives after cancer. I’m proud to have worked on this bill with my colleague, Representative Rod Blum, and I hope we can bring this action to a vote quickly so we can help more women return to feeling like themselves on their own terms.”
The introduction of the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act was an initiative of Essentially Women and People for Quality Care, divisions of VGM Group, through their #MakeMeWholeAgain campaign. The nearly year-long grassroots effort called on those affected by breast cancer to advocate for the legislation, so women can have the choice between reconstructive surgery, off-the-shelf breast prostheses or custom breast prosthesis following a mastectomy.
“Women are unique and come in all shapes, sizes and skin tones,” said Nikki Jensen, vice president of Essentially Women. “Providing Medicare coverage for a segment of this population can give women an option that can meet their needs and make them whole again.”
The female breast is one of the only body parts not covered by Medicare as a custom replacement. A similar bill to the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act was introduced in 2011; however it did not gain enough support to pass. According to Jensen, Medicare already has a billing code and fee schedule but does not recognize custom breast prostheses for coverage eligibility.
“Because many insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines, this legislation has the potential to impact women of all ages throughout the country,” said Jensen. “Passage of the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act provides them with the opportunity to choose the solution that meets their needs as they begin life after breast cancer.”
Armed with a toolkit to help supporters contact their legislators, Jensen and other stakeholders are optimistic that, unlike 2011, the proposed legislation will make it through both chambers of Congress and end up before the president to sign into law before the end of 2018.
“We ask that anyone affected by breast cancer, or if you just feel this is the right thing to do, please contact your elected officials and show support for bill HR 6980 today.”
Visit makemewholeagain.com for more information.
