Fly-In Gains 4 New BCPEA Cosponsors

As a direct result of the Midwest/ Southeast Regional Fly-In on June 2-3, 2015, the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2015 (H.R.2540/S.1192) gained four new cosponsors in the House.

Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-6), Mark Meadows (R-N.C.-11), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-2) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.-27) met with ASPS members during the Fly-In and discussed the importance of this bill for patients facing breast cancer. ASPS members explained the impact of educating patients about their reconstructive options and the psychosocial importance of the procedure for many patients.

ASPS member testimony on the impact of this legislation on their patients and communities directly compelled these members of Congress to sign on as cosponsors of H.R.2540.

The Breast Cancer Patient Education Act, re-introduced in both the House and the Senate this spring, would require the secretary of health and human services to plan and implement an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction and other available alternatives post-mastectomy.

Fourteen members of Congress have already cosponsored the bill in the House, including the four cosponsors mentioned above. The Senate bill, introduced by Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), has six additional original cosponsors.

ASPS will continue to meet with members of Congress to discuss the importance of this legislation and work to gain additional sponsors.