Senators re-introduce custom breast forms legislation

WASHINGTON – Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have re-introduced The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, a bill that would provide Medicare coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses. 

The bill is a companion bill to H.R. 4779, introduced in July by Reps. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa. 

“We can do so much more to help patients and survivors of breast cancer fully recover and achieve the best quality of life,” said Duckworth. “It is absurd that the breast is the only human body part not currently covered by Medicare as a customized replacement, which is one of the reasons why I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to finally change that and help expand access and options for women who have already been through so much.” 

Stakeholders urge grassroots advocates to step forward and ask their own senators and representatives in Congress to support the legislation, which is essential in ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries are able to select custom breast prosthesis if that’s the right choice for them. 

"We’re fortunate to have such strong support from Sen. Duckworth and Sen. Murkowski,” said Nikki Jensen, vice president of Essentially Women. “They understand there’s so much more to recovering from breast cancer than being done with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Being able to move forward with the breast replacement option that’s most appropriate for the patient is an important part of recovery." 

In recent years, technological advancements have enabled the creation and precise fitting of custom breast prostheses. Custom prostheses are typically made from higher-end silicone products produced in a unique mold designed to fit the chest like a puzzle piece. Through laser scans of the chest, which may have bumps, scarring, or dips due to surgery, many women find that custom breast prostheses provide a superior fit and comfort.