Millions at Risk: Komen Speaks Out Against House Reconciliation Bill

Breast cancer patients could lose coverage, face delays in critical care

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, is deeply troubled by passage of legislation by the House of Representatives which drastically cuts funding for federal health insurance programs and implements damaging reforms. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these changes, combined with the failure to renew health care tax credits, could cause nearly 14 million people to lose their insurance coverage, increasing the U.S. uninsured rate by 30%. Put simply, if enacted into law, this legislation will inflict serious harm on the breast cancer community.

Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces often serve as a lifeline for many people in the breast cancer community, from those seeking screening to those in treatment and beyond. In the U.S., more than 72 million people rely on Medicaid. In fact, 1 in 10 adults with a history of cancer utilize Medicaid for insurance coverage. Millions of others rely on plans offered through the ACA Marketplaces.

This health coverage is essential to ensuring timely access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment — care that might otherwise be delayed until the disease is more advanced and expensive to treat. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, a state-federal partnership which aims to increase early detection among women with low-incomes, works in conjunction with state Medicaid programs to provide treatment for those who are diagnosed with breast cancer — an effort that maximizes our nation's investment in both programs.

The bill requires work reporting requirements that would restrict access to quality and affordable healthcare for millions of patients. Even if breast cancer patients qualify for exceptions from the work reporting requirements, which remains unclear, they would still be required to navigate through administrative red tape to demonstrate their qualification. Additionally, this legislation proposes eligibility checks on Medicaid enrollees every 6 months, further increasing the administrative burden for enrollees, which is the last thing a person undergoing cancer treatment should have to face.

Additional policies included in the bill make several changes to ACA Marketplace plans, including codifying harmful regulations, shortening the open enrollment period, and enhancing eligibility checks, eroding coverage for the millions of Americans, including breast cancer patients and survivors.

Komen urges Congress to do better for the breast cancer community and asks the Senate to reject the policies which will hurt the breast cancer patients, survivors and many other Americans when they consider the budget reconciliation bill next. Join us in this effort by contacting your U.S. Senators here.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.