Urges Swift Passage So Patients Can Immediately Receive Needed Benefits
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, thanked members of Congress for introducing legislation that would make Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits immediately available to persons living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL) and John Katko (R-NY) led the reintroduction of The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.3183/S.1312). Currently, persons diagnosed with MBC must wait five months to receive SSDI and 24 months to receive Medicare benefits. The legislation would remove those waiting periods and increase access to care and quality of life for those who are in need.
“Persons living with metastatic breast cancer don’t have time to wait – they need care and financial help now,” said Molly Guthrie, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Unfortunately, we have heard too many stories of patients dying while waiting to receive their benefits so we are very appreciative of the leadership of Sens. Murphy and Ernst and Reps. Castor and Katko and for recognizing that these waiting periods are barriers to care and must be eliminated.”
More than 168,000 Americans live with MBC, breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast. Treatments exist for MBC but there is no cure for it. MBC is also responsible for the majority of the more than 44,000 breast cancer deaths each year.
Take action now and ask your members of Congress to pass The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act without delay.
