The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act is a federal law that provides protection for breast cancer patients who elect breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy. All group health plans, including HMOs, that provide medical and surgical benefits in connection with a mastectomy must also provide for reconstructive surgery, in a manner determined in consultation with the patient and attending physician.

If you or an enrolled dependent is a breast cancer patient, you should know that in addition to providing medical and surgical benefits in connection with a mastectomy, your Medical coverage also includes the following:

• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed;
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance;
  and
• Prostheses and treatment of physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedemas.

This coverage is subject to applicable copays, annual deductibles and coinsurance provisions.

Resources

• Your Rights after a Mastectomy