Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act

This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body).

Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

Bill 118 HR 549, also known as the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to improve access to care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, a form of cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a national database to track the prevalence and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This database will help researchers and healthcare providers better understand the disease and develop more effective treatments. 2. Requiring insurance companies to cover all medically necessary treatments for metastatic breast cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This provision aims to ensure that individuals with this type of cancer have access to the care they need without facing financial barriers. 3. Providing funding for research into new treatments and therapies for metastatic breast cancer. This funding will support efforts to improve outcomes for individuals with this disease and ultimately find a cure. Overall, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act seeks to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with metastatic breast cancer and improve their access to quality care. By establishing a national database, requiring insurance coverage for necessary treatments, and funding research efforts, this bill aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.