Hochul signs legislation to aid breast cancer survivors during their recovery

Legislation ensures breast cancer survivors who choose reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy have proper insurance coverage

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that will aid breast cancer survivors during their recovery.

Legislation A.8537/S.7881 will ensure that breast cancer survivors who choose to have chest reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy or partial mastectomy have proper insurance coverage.

"Breast cancer survivors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by our health care system," she said. "Women who choose chest wall reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy will now have insurance coverage for the procedure, and the necessary information to select this option. I am proud to sign this law during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and urge every woman in New York to get a mammogram this year."

Hochul’s team said, “Under this new law, both breast reconstruction and chest wall reconstruction will be covered by insurance, giving women a choice in how they want their post-mastectomy bodies to look. The law also will ensure doctors discuss the option of chest wall reconstruction with their patient so she can make an informed decision.

“Roughly one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the course of their lifetimes, and many undergo mastectomies or partial mastectomies as part of their treatment to remove their cancer. After a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, some women choose breast reconstruction surgeries while others choose chest wall reconstruction surgery; previously, the law had only required insurance to cover breast reconstruction, but not chest wall reconstruction, which was classified as ‘cosmetic’ by many insurers.”