The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act H.R. 2178/S. 1374
VA Legislator Support: Representative McEachin
This legislation would waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility and the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
Background: The median life expectancy for patients with metastatic breast cancer is just 26 months, so these waiting periods create an undue burden on the patient and their families trying to receive timely access to quality health care services.
Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act – H.R. 1370/S. 562
VA Legislator Support: none
These bills provide for Medicare coverage of custom fabricated breast prostheses following the surgical removal of the breast (i.e., a mastectomy), including replacements of such prostheses. Currently, Medicare covers surgically implanted breast prostheses, as well as some external breast prostheses (e.g., post-surgical bras).
Background: Breast prostheses are the only body part not covered by Medicare as a custom replacement. If women utilize an off the shelf prosthesis, it may not match the size, shape, and/or skin tone of the remaining breast. The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act will allow all women covered by Medicare to have access to custom breast prostheses.
The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) – H.R. 647/S. 2080
VA Legislator Support: H.R. 647: Representatives Connolly, Luria, Spanberger, Wittman [Update: House passed H.R. 647 on 10/28/19. Now goes to Senate]
PCHETA would establish Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers to improve the training of health professionals in the core competencies of palliative care, establish a national campaign to inform patients, families and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care services, and direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand research in the areas of palliative care, pain, and symptom management.
Background: Palliative care is an approach to care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers coping with a life-threatening illness or injury. This type of care treats pain, depression, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and any other symptoms that may be causing distress. It can be especially helpful for those with cancer. In 2017, VBCF successfully supported the passage of a state law which required the Virginia Department of Health to make information about and resources on palliative care available to the public on its website.
The Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) – H.R. 1948/S. 518
VA Legislator Support: H.R. 1948: Representatives Connolly, Griffith, McEachin, Spanberger, Wittman S.518: Senator Kaine, Warner
The LTA would improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema from any cause by amending Medicare statute to allow for coverage of compression supplies. Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law, it would set a precedent for Medicaid and private insurers to follow.
Background: Lymphedema is a condition that can develop due to the removal of or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Not everyone that is treated for breast cancer will develop lymphedema. Lymphedema can occur days, months or years after breast cancer treatment.
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