Urge Congressional Leadership to Support the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act
Dear Members of Congress,
Over 75,000 women undergo mastectomies each year to treat breast cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of U.S. States still do not require insurance companies to provide more than 24 hours in the hospital, all too often resulting in "drive-thru mastectomies," that can leave patients woozy and in pain.
In the past two Congresses, bills have been introduced that would require insurers to cover a minimum of 48 hours in the hospital after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, but neither of these bills have made it to a vote in both houses.
I'm writing to ask you, on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of breast cancer patients and survivors across the United States, to make the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act a priority in the 113th Congress. We shouldn't add to the suffering of thousands of survivors.
I urge you to take action immediately.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Over 75,000 women undergo mastectomies each year as a breast cancer treatment. It's a nervewracking procedure which can include a drowsy and painful recovery.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover overnight hospital care with mastectomies, and require patients to be discharged within 24 hours of admission. It's what's called a "drive-thru mastectomy," and it's a common practice throughout the United States.
In 2009, Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act to the House. The act would require that insurers cover a minimum of 48 hours in the hospital after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, something already required by law in 20 states. The bill was referred to committee, and never saw a vote.
It was reintroduced as H.R. 111 in January 2011, but failed to make it out of committee. The Susan G. Komen Foundation, the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and other top organizations support the passage of this bill. This petition is a call to Congress to prioritize this bill as a necessary component of women's health in the 21st century.
Action Updates
February 15: Keep it up!
People Who Have Signed
| Lisa Z | 20 May 2013 | Dallas |
| Barry R | 20 May 2013 | OAK PARK |
| Esther A | 19 May 2013 | Frankfort |
| Beth B | 19 May 2013 | McKinleyville |
| Sonia S | 19 May 2013 | Virginia beach |
| Maria G | 19 May 2013 | North Miami |
| Robert G | 19 May 2013 | North Miami |
| Kenneth R | 19 May 2013 | Kansas City |
| chrissy c | 19 May 2013 | apopka |
| Robbvi07 R | 19 May 2013 | Paterson |
