Modernizing Breast Reconstruction Coverage

<div class="embed-container"><iframe width="320" height="240" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R8ziYUtfZ5g"></iframe></div> <p></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Public support is key to advancing stronger <a href="/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction">breast reconstruction</a> coverage laws. If you wish to share your experience with your elected officials, our Grassroots Action Center provides tools to do so easily.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a class="btn btn-primary btn-lg" href="https://awhca.action.aristotle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="margin-bottom: 5px;"><strong>Share Your Story</strong></a></p> <div class="well"> <h4>Current Status of AWHCA</h4> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> </div> <style></style>