Reps. Chu, Miller-Meeks Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Close Medicare Coverage Gap for Breast Cancer Survivors

October 30, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act to close a critical gap in Medicare coverage for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies. While Medicare covers traditional breast prostheses and surgical breast reconstruction, custom-fabricated breast prostheses are not covered in the same way, leaving survivors without access to an important nonsurgical option. The legislation would address this disparity and help ensure that patients can choose the post-mastectomy care that best meets their individual needs. More than 4 million women in the United States have a history of breast cancer, and an estimated 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. For the more than 100,000 women who undergo mastectomies each year, the decision about whether and how to restore their breast shape is deeply personal. While some women choose reconstructive surgery, others cannot undergo additional surgery or simply do not want to. Yet Medicare's current coverage leaves survivors with limited options: traditional off-the-shelf prostheses that may not adequately fit their bodies, or invasive reconstructive surgery. The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act would help close this gap by expanding coverage for custom-fabricated breast prostheses, which are designed to match each patient's unique anatomy, size, and skin tone. This would give survivors greater freedom to choose the care that best meets their individual needs, without having to undergo another surgery. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that our commitment to women battling breast cancer cannot end when their treatment does. After fighting breast cancer, every survivor deserves the freedom to make the decisions about their own body and recovery that are right for them,” said Rep. Chu. “But right now, Medicare covers traditional breast prostheses and major reconstructive surgery while leaving women without the same access to custom-fabricated prostheses that may better meet their needs. Women have many valid reasons for choosing to not undergo another surgery, and they should not face additional financial barriers because of that decision. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to close this unfair gap in coverage and ensure that breast cancer survivors have the dignity, choices, and care they deserve.” “Breast cancer survivors who have undergone a mastectomy deserve access to affordable, high-quality reconstructive options. During an already difficult time, women should not have to worry about whether their insurance will cover the care they need," said Rep. Miller-Meeks . "The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act expands Medicare coverage for custom-fabricated breast prostheses, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring women have greater access to the reconstructive options they deserve, regardless of income.” The legislation is endorsed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Society of Breast Surgeons, Brem Foundation, Cancer Nation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Susan B. Komen. Read the full bill text HERE . Issues : Congress Health Care