Spread the Word about Custom Breast Prosthesis During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published in Membership on October 08, 2021

I want you It's already mid-October, and your shop is probably decked out in pink with a flurry of activity from women shopping for their Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) shirts, pins, and gear. As people rush to run in a 5k benefit or ask what they can do to help further the cause, now is a great time to ask people to support the legislation that affects your patients and your business, including the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act and the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Over 3.8 million women in the United States have a history of breast cancer, many of whom suffer from unreconstructed breast loss. In 2021, more than 281,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, which can require surgical breast removal. Currently, Medicare covers off-the-shelf breast prosthetics and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients, but not custom breast prosthetics.

That’s where the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act comes in. The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act would provide Medicare coverage for custom breast prosthesis. The breast is one of the few body parts not covered by Medicare as a custom replacement – we should be able to do better. Many private insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines, and that’s why this legislation is so important. Women of all ages and insurance coverages will be impacted.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

What we need now is for people like you to reach out to your elected officials to let them know this is important to you – as their constituent. Here are a few things you can do:

Take Action: Send a letter to your elected officials asking them to support the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act. (The email has already been written, so it’s really easy!)
Call your elected officials to request that they sign on to the legislation. Let them know how breast cancer and access to custom breast prosthesis has affected your life. You can find your representatives’ contact information here.
Contact Essentially Women and ask if we can help setup a meeting with your representatives.
Like and Follow the Let Her Decide campaign on Facebook and Twitter, and invite your friends too!
Tell all of your customers about this important bill and how they can help by taking action. (Hint: Have counter cards ready to give to all of your customers.)
Contact local breast cancer support groups and ask if you can come to speak about the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act and Let Her Decide Campaign.