Legislation introduced by Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks) to ensure that women receive coverage for custom breast prosthetics when that choice is the best option post-mastectomy surgery was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“This is a wonderful victory for breast cancer survivors who have struggled to restart their lives because insurance coverage for reconstructive surgery limited the kind of prosthetic device used.
Called Jacquelyn’s Law, House Bill 1457, now Act 44 of 2020, is named after Jacquelyn Halpin, a constituent who brought the issue to Schroeder’s attention.
“Jacquelyn was brave enough to step forward and share her personal story after dealing with the pain of a double mastectomy and chemotherapy along with the added stress of trying to get coverage for a device that would best fit her,” Schroeder said. “That’s when I learned that this issue is something many women struggle with as the options to best suit their needs are limited. That is heartbreaking and devastating.”
In some cases, women who have an irregular chest wall may not properly fit the standard prosthetics or may not be a good candidate to receive reconstructive surgery. Although most insurance companies provide coverage of off-the-shelf prosthetics and reconstructive surgery, these two alternatives are not always an option for every woman.
Act 44 would provide clarity in the law to ensure that women have the option to choose which breast prosthetic best suits their individual needs.
“I want to thank the governor for understanding the urgency the needs of women who have to endure this painful process,” Schroeder said.
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