What is the cost of reconstructive surgery?
The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires the coverage of breast cancer reconstruction for mastectomy patients if the health care provider covers mastectomies. The providers must also cover: reconstruction after mastectomy to the affected area, surgery on the other breast if needed to create symmetry, breast prostheses, and treatment of conditions which arise from mastectomy, including lymphedema (chronic swelling) of the arm. It is important to talk to your providers and make sure that you are covered as well as to question what the limitations are when it comes to reconstruction.
