The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (HR 549/ S 663) amends Title II of the Social Security Act for those:

• Under age 65
• Diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) – breast cancer that has spread from the breast to the bones, lungs, or other distant parts of the body
• Unable to work due to the disability of MBC or the treatments

Those who qualify would have current wait periods waived for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Five-month wait period
• Medicare – 24-month wait period

Why does the Breast Cancer Coalition support this legislation?

• Someone diagnosed with MBC, regardless of age, who applies and meets the qualifications of the Social Security Administration (SSA), automatically qualifies for disability benefits, yet the five-month and 24-month wait periods still apply
• In 2001, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was added as a qualifying condition for Medicare coverage
• In 2020, the five-month SSDI wait period for those with ALS was waived
• Those diagnosed with MBC will be in treatment indefinitely
• These wait periods are unreasonable and cruel

The advocacy committee meets with congressional members in Central, Western and Northern New York state to discuss the importance of removing these wait periods for those living with metastatic breast cancer. To learn more about this legislation or the advocacy committee, please contact info@bccr.org

This story appeared in the Summer 2022 newsletter, Voices of the Ribbon.

Learn more about our Advocacy Committee.