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Modernizing Breast Reconstruction Coverage
Learn. Share. Support Access to Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction.
ASPS is leading a nationwide effort to modernize breast reconstruction coverage through the Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act and new or stronger state coverage laws. This legislation will ensure that every patient can access the full range of reconstructive options after treatment for breast cancer – whether advanced microsurgical or implant-based – regardless of where they live or what type of insurance they have.
If you or someone you love has faced breast cancer, you know how important it is to have options during recovery. The Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act (AWHCA) would update and strengthen federal protections to ensure all patients can access the full range of reconstructive and restorative procedures after breast cancer treatment – no matter where they live or what kind of insurance they have.
Public support is key to advancing stronger breast reconstruction coverage laws. If you wish to share your experience with your elected officials, our Grassroots Action Center provides tools to do so easily.
AWHCA Weekly Update for the Week of November 10
ASPS continued its proactive work to strengthen and clarify the Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act (AWHCA). Building on last week's response to concerns identified by stakeholders, we engaged directly with key hereditary cancer advocacy groups to ensure the legislation continues to support safe, timely access to reconstruction for all patients - including those undergoing risk-reducing procedures.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, members of the ASPS advocacy team met with Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), a leading organization supporting individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes, including those with BRCA1 gene mutations. The conversation was both constructive and positive. FORCE expressed appreciation for ASPS elevating this issue quickly and for the collaboration underway to update the bill's language.
Prior to the meeting, we had previously shared refined language options with FORCE on behalf of aligned advocacy partners to ensure the bill which preserves access to reconstruction following prophylactic or risk-reducing surgery. FORCE's feedback, which helped guide the conversation, along with ongoing input from microsurgeons who routinely perform these complex procedures, is helping shape a solution that strengthens patient protections without unintended gaps.
ASPS values the partnership of groups like FORCE and will continue working closely with the broader community as revisions advance. Ensuring clarity in the legislation and safeguarding the rights of patients at high risk for hereditary cancers remains a key priority in advancing this legislation.
Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally life-changing. Reconstruction helps restore confidence, comfort and a sense of wholeness – yet too many patients still face denials, delays or limited options because coverage laws haven't kept up with medical advances.
The Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act aims to modernize outdated laws so that all women can access the care they need to recover fully – whether that means reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy, or treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
The Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act builds on the original Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 – a landmark law that required coverage for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
More than 25 years later, new clinical standards and techniques have changed what "reconstruction" means. This bill would update the law to reflect today's best practices, ensuring patients are covered for:
- Reconstruction following lumpectomy or mastectomy
- Microsurgical and other advanced reconstructive techniques
- Custom breast prostheses and related restorative care
- Treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema
To read more about the bill and the Society's efforts to modernize coverage, visit our Federal Advocacy and State Advocacy pages and review our issue brief.
Your experience matters – and it can make a difference. Sharing your story helps lawmakers understand the real impact of outdated coverage laws and why modernization is urgently needed.
Through our Grassroots Action Center, you can send a message directly to your members of Congress describing how access to reconstruction has affected you or your patients.
When you use the Grassroots Action Center, your message goes directly to your elected officials. ASPS does not collect or retain your personal story.
How You Can Help
- Raise awareness. Share information about the Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act on social media or within your community.
- Learn more. Visit our Modernizing Breast Reconstruction Coverage page for background and resources.
- Stay informed. Sign up for ASPS updates on advocacy efforts, upcoming events and opportunities to make your voice heard.
Note: ASPS encourages patients and the public to learn about the issue and share their experiences. If you'd like to contact your elected officials, our Grassroots Action Center provides tools and resources to do so.