Ensuring Access

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women and has been effective at catching breast cancers early. Additional federal and state funding and expanded eligibility for these programs would allow more people to get screened and help detect breast cancers early, when treatment options and survival rates are the best.

Medicaid provides critical services for patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, burdensome restrictions and requirements can often prevent qualifying people from accessing the services they need – therefore continued access to these programs is critical. Komen supports expanded coverage and services without impediments for enrollees (e.g., funding, work requirements, premiums, restricted eligibility).

Currently a person diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) – the latest stage of breast cancer for which there is currently no cure – must wait a combined 29 months to receive federal help. Komen supports removing the five-month waiting period for a person to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the 24-month waiting period to receive Medicare benefits.

Ensuring Access Priorities

• Expand funding and eligibility for the National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)
• Expand Medicaid coverage and services without impediments for enrollees (e.g., funding, work requirements, premiums, restricted eligibility)
• Remove waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients