Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bill to Improve Care for Americans with Late-Stage Breast Cancer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its continued endorsement of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.2048), bipartisan legislation to eliminate waiting periods for federal disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, or other organs. It accounts for approximately 90 percent of breast cancer deaths, and the average life expectancy following diagnosis is just three years. During this time, patients and their families often face severe medical and financial strain.
For many people with metastatic breast cancer, the disease makes it impossible to keep working — meaning they often qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare. Yet current law still requires a five-month wait for SSDI benefits and an additional 24-month wait for Medicare coverage. These delays keep patients from getting medical care and financial support when they need it most.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would eliminate both the five-month SSDI waiting period and the 24-month Medicare waiting period for individuals with metastatic breast cancer who are otherwise eligible under existing programs. Congress has previously eliminated waiting periods for other serious conditions, including End-Stage Renal Disease and ALS, recognizing the need for timely access to care.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Judy Chu (CA-28) and has 192 additional cosponsors, 31 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Garbarino and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).
This legislation has been endorsed by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Health Network, National Women’s Law Center, Oncology Nursing Society, Susan G. Komen, and Young Survival Coalition.
“Metastatic breast cancer patients are in a fight for their lives, and they should not be forced to wait months or years to access disability benefits and insurance coverage. On Long Island, where breast cancer rates are among the highest in the nation, these delays hit especially close to home. I introduced the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act to eliminate these harmful waiting periods so patients can focus on treatment, not paperwork or financial uncertainty," said Problem Solvers Caucus Vice Chair Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). "I’m grateful to the Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsing this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to work with Rep. Panetta and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver timely, commonsense support for patients and families facing metastatic breast cancer."
“In the state of California alone, over 4,000 people die from breast cancer every year, with 90% dying from metastatic breast cancer (MBC),” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “The bipartisan Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act confronts the reality of MBC by ensuring patients are able to focus on their treatment without financial stressors hanging over them and their families. I’m proud to join Chair Garbarino to find effective, commonsense bipartisan solutions that would help the federal government better serve the thousands of Americans who are impacted by MBC.”
“Each year, nearly 14,000 Pennsylvanians are diagnosed with breast cancer, and for those with metastatic breast cancer, the life expectancy ranges from just 4 to 36 months. Delaying access to life-saving care is simply unacceptable,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare, ensuring immediate access to critical benefits. By alleviating financial burdens, we give patients and their families the freedom to focus on what truly matters—the fight for their lives. This is exactly the kind of people-first, bipartisan solution the Problem Solvers Caucus was created to advance, and I’m grateful for the formal endorsement as we work to bring this long-overdue reform into law.”
“On Long Island, where we have some of the highest rates of breast cancer in the country, everyone knows someone who has been affected by this terrible disease," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “Forcing patients battling a terminal illness to wait months or even years to access benefits and coverage they deserve is cruel and inefficient. This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan fix, and it’s only natural that the Problem Solvers endorse.”
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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues
facing our nation.