Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Legislation to Improve Care for Americans with Late-Stage Breast Cancer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, legislation that will eliminate waiting periods for federal disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced-stage IV breast cancer that develops when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. An estimated 42,250 women in the United States will lose their lives to breast cancer this year, with more than 90 percent of those deaths resulting from metastatic disease. Many Americans undergoing treatment for breast cancer are currently unable to access the health care coverage and financial support they are entitled to receive because of arbitrary waiting periods. This legislation would significantly improve treatment outcomes for thousands of people battling metastatic breast cancer each year by enabling patients to access these resources immediately upon their diagnosis.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would eliminate the current five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and two-year waiting period for Medicare benefits for all eligible individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. This will ensure that patients receive critical care and financial support when they need it most.
The bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) and has 249 cosponsors, 50 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Garbarino and Dan Kildee (MI-08).
“In the fight against metastatic breast cancer, every day counts,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “The arbitrary waiting period for SSDI and Medicare coverage only increases the suffering of those battling this disease by delaying access to the health benefits they should immediately be eligible for. For some, the unspeakably short life expectancy associated with metastatic breast cancer means they may never receive their benefits. That outcome is unacceptable. That's why I introduced this bill to waive these onerous waiting periods, relieve the potential financial burden on those with the disease, and allow them to focus on what’s important - fighting the cancer."
“As a cancer survivor, I know that timely access to preventative testing and treatment is critical,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08). “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan bill to connect those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer with the care they need in their fight against this horrible disease.”
“With approximately 14,000 new cases of breast cancer annually in Pennsylvania and a life expectancy of just 4 to 36 months for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, it is unconscionable to delay access to essential care. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will eliminate these detrimental wait times, expediting access to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Medicare coverage. By alleviating financial burdens, it allows patients and their families to concentrate on the most important battle: fighting cancer,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus and House Cancer Caucus. “Cancer is not a political issue; I implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this critical and lifesaving legislation.”
“Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) claims the lives of more than 40,000 people nationwide — including nearly a thousand from Jersey — each year. Unfortunately, those with MBC face significant hurdles to getting the support they need from Social Security and Medicare,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “The least we can do to help people in the fight of their lives is ensure they can fully use their healthcare benefits. I’m glad that members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, a piece of commonsense and compassionate legislation that expands benefits eligibility and cuts wait times for those with MBC.”
“Metastatic breast cancer, or stage IV breast cancer, causes 90 percent of breast cancer deaths in the United States,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. “The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act ensures individuals diagnosed with this life-threatening disease can receive care by expediting waiting periods to receive Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan, commonsense bill to protect access to lifesaving care as we continue to work toward a cure.”
“I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus in supporting the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “This common sense, bipartisan legislation will make significant strides to cut through red tape and burdensome waiting periods in the health care system. Doing so will improve outcomes for patients, increase access to early detection methods and treatment, and provide meaningful assistance to those suffering from metastatic breast cancer.”
“I lost my sister to breast cancer when she was just 39 years old," said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “She was my best friend and introduced me to the woman who later became my wife. We want to beat this dreadful disease.”
“One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act will further our efforts to remove barriers to care for those suffering from metastatic breast cancer,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “This is a meaningful step toward reaching our goal of making cancer a curable disease, and I am honored to support this legislation that could improve outcomes for so many.”
“Someone who receives a life-altering diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer may never receive the Medicare and Social Security Disability benefits that they are eligible to receive due to unnecessary wait periods and federal red tape. Metastatic breast cancer has a life expectancy of less than three years, and yet women and their families face additional distress of having to wait five months for SSDI and 24 months for Medicare benefits,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act that I’m co-sponsoring would eliminate the arbitrary waiting periods for these benefits so that folks can support themselves and access appropriate medical care in a timely manner.”
“The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act provides crucial support to patients and their families by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and offering vital assistance when needed,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01). “I am proud to co-sponsor this sensible bipartisan legislation and urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting it.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.