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More than 260,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2018. Of those, approximately 144,000 will undergo a mastectomy. Currently, following surgery, these women will decide if they are willing to endure reconstruction surgery, choose an “off-the-shelf” prosthesis, or elect to do nothing. Congressman Rod Blum (R-Ia.) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) have introduced a bill in the U.S. House to provide Medicare coverage for custom breast prostheses to women who have undergone a mastectomy. The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, H.R. 6980, will address a gap in coverage to expand access for women who need another option. Some women may not be candidates for reconstruction, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while others may not want additional surgery. Custom breast prostheses are also beneficial for women who are challenged to find off-the-shelf prostheses that fit their particular chest wall, finding symmetry to match their remaining breast, or matching skin tone. Medicare currently covers both reconstruction and off-the-shelf options, which is the driving force behind the need for this legislation. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleague, Democrat Rep. 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,” said Chu. “Yet, currently, Medicare covers only two: the most basic – off-the-shelf breast prostheses – and the most comprehensive – reconstruction. 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, Rep. 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.” Essentially Women, a member service organization that supports independent providers of post-mastectomy supplies, and People for Quality Care, an organization that supports increased patient access, have supported this effort from the beginning. “We are thrilled at the overwhelming support that this effort has received with grassroots advocates, breast cancer coalitions, and on Capitol Hill,” said Nikki Jensen, vice president of Essentially Women. “Essentially Women wants every woman to have the ability to choose whichever option best fits their medical and physical needs.” With the month of October serving as Breast Cancer Awareness month, now is a great time to engage with lawmakers on this bipartisan legislation to get their support. Get involved today by visiting www.makemewholeagain.com for more information, and engage with the campaign by using #MakeMeWholeAgain on your social media platforms!