After a devastating diagnosis such as breast cancer, the last thing one thinks about is insurance. But sadly this is a true reality for most. How to pay 
for it, what your coverage is and what to do if you don’t have insurance are all things that run through one’s mind. Today, we’re going to discuss what your insurance covers when it comes to breast cancer prevention and treatment.
for it, what your coverage is and what to do if you don’t have insurance are all things that run through one’s mind. Today, we’re going to discuss what your insurance covers when it comes to breast cancer prevention and treatment.Mammograms are a major diagnostic test used for the detection of breast cancer. Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, all insurance policies are required to cover one routine mammograms for women over 40 years of age per, at no out of pocket cost to them. So take advantage of this tool every year.
If your physician suggests a mastectomy as part of your treatment it will likely be covered. Even better yet, due to an act passed in 1998 any insurance company that has mastectomy coverage must also cover breast reconstruction coverage, if you wish to have it done. Not only does this include implants but it can also include surgery to correct asymmetries (i.e. only one breast was removed) as well as treatment for any surgical complications.
Chemotherapy and radiation are two major treatments for any form of cancer, specifically breast cancer. Coverage for these two types of treatment are going to be plan specific. So make sure you look over your insurance to see what type of coverage you have. Often times they come with high deductibles and copay’s, but it’s better than nothing.
Other prescription medications will be billed the same way as chemo and radiation, which is considered a medication. For instance, cancer suppressing medications, such as tamoxifen, fall under this category.
If you don’t have insurance there are several institutions that can provide you with the care you need. You can head over to www.komen.org to learn more.
Or, if you’re interested in enrolling in a health insurance plan for 2018 stay tuned for next weeks post, we walk you through everything you need to know about Obamacare.