Approximately 168,000 people in the U.S. are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Under current law, MBC patients are subject to a combined 29-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits. For some, access to the care and financial support they need comes too late.
As their cancer progresses, many men and women with MBC are not able to work, which puts their health insurance and financial stability at risk. Under current law, MBC patients are subject to a five-month waiting period for SSDI and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 2048) would eliminate these waiting periods, improving access to care and quality of life for those with MBC. People with metastatic disease should not have to wait an arbitrary number of months for the care and financial support they need. Contact your lawmakers today and ask them to support this crucial policy change.