Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act
The passage of HB4779 would positively affect the approximately 4 million women in the United States with a history of breast cancer, of whom many experience breast loss due to surgical procedures. By ensuring coverage for custom fabricated prosthetics, the bill aims to enhance patient equity, especially among older and minority women who often face barriers to reconstructive options. Moreover, it aligns with similar private insurance policies that have begun to include such coverage following the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, thereby promoting consistency in care standards across different health plans.
House Bill 4779, also known as the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, seeks to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses following mastectomy. The bill addresses a significant gap in the current Medicare coverage, which recognizes custom prostheses but does not reimburse them, labeling such devices as 'not medically necessary.' This legislation could significantly improve the treatment options available to women who have undergone mastectomies, allowing for greater choice and comfort in post-surgical care.
Critics of the current Medicare policy argue that the lack of coverage for custom breast prostheses places unnecessary financial and emotional burdens on women post-mastectomy. As it stands, many women are compelled to opt for surgical reconstruction, which carries its own set of risks and complications. By passing HB4779, Congress acknowledges the importance of non-surgical options for women recovering from breast cancer. Nonetheless, some opponents may emphasize concerns about the implications of expanded coverage on healthcare costs or the sustainability of Medicare funding, thereby framing the conversation around the trade-offs involved in implementing this bill.