VERY IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Landmark Legislation to Improve Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery Access
Washington, D.C. – July 24, 2025 — Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, introduced two major health-focused bills designed to eliminate disparities in breast cancer treatment and ensure all women have access to comprehensive care and recovery services. The proposed legislation, H.R. 4543 – the Medicaid Breast Cancer Access to Treatment Act and H.R. 4545 – the Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act, addresses systemic gaps in coverage and patient education across federal healthcare programs.
Waters has been an unwavering advocate for breast cancer patients for over four decades. Her efforts date back to her tenure in the California State Assembly, where in 1978 she successfully championed AB 3548—legislation mandating insurance coverage for prosthetics or reconstructive surgery following mastectomies. These latest federal initiatives build on that legacy and aim to address longstanding inequities in treatment access, particularly among low-income and underserved populations.
“I am deeply concerned about the tragic and unacceptable disparities related to breast cancer,” Waters stated. “That is why I introduced the Medicaid Breast Cancer Access to Treatment Act, which requires all state Medicaid programs to cover breast and cervical cancer treatment services for low-income patients with no cost-sharing.”
This legislation also mandates Medicaid coverage for breast reconstruction surgery after a medically necessary mastectomy—a procedure many low-income women currently cannot afford or access.
The second bill, the Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act, tackles the issue of informed consent and patient knowledge regarding surgical options. Waters noted a troubling pattern: numerous breast cancer survivors across the country have undergone mastectomies without fully understanding that Medicare covers reconstruction services. H.R. 4545 seeks to rectify this by requiring surgeons and healthcare providers to inform Medicare patients about their post-surgical options.
“Patients who receive thorough information are more likely to make informed decisions that align with their individual preferences,” Waters emphasized. “This leads to greater satisfaction and an improved quality of life following surgery.”
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, accounting for approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses each year. Although death rates have dropped 44% since the 1980s due to advances in screening, early detection, and treatment, disparities in outcomes persist. According to national health data, Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women. These disparities are often tied to delayed diagnoses, lower access to advanced treatments, and gaps in insurance coverage.
Many patients from lower-income communities, including those reliant on Medicaid, face serious hurdles when seeking treatment for breast cancer. Some are forced to forgo reconstruction entirely due to a lack of coverage, while others are never made aware that such options exist. The situation is further complicated by inconsistent policies across state Medicaid programs and insufficient provider communication.
Through these two bills, Waters and a broad coalition of House Democrats are aiming to bring greater equity and consistency to breast cancer care across the U.S. healthcare system.
Both H.R. 4543 and H.R. 4545 have gained the backing of more than two dozen co-sponsors, including Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), among others. The breadth of support spans from California and Florida to Maryland and Massachusetts, reflecting a nationwide concern over health care disparities.
Local and social media platforms have reflected strong support for the measures, particularly among breast cancer advocacy groups and women’s health organizations. Online discussion has highlighted the urgency of reducing financial barriers to care and promoting patient-centered approaches that prioritize information and choice.
Community health forums in urban areas, including parts of Los Angeles and the Northeast, have echoed Waters’ concerns, with survivors and advocates emphasizing that education, transparency, and access must go hand-in-hand for truly equitable care. Social media users have also drawn attention to the emotional and psychological toll of breast cancer treatment, stressing the value of reconstructive options in restoring body image and confidence.
“Together, these two bills will help ensure that all breast cancer patients—regardless of income or insurance status—have access to the full spectrum of care,” said Waters.
The bills now await further consideration in the House, with supporters hoping to bring them to a vote during the current legislative session. If passed, the legislation could mark a transformative step in the fight against breast cancer and a significant expansion of rights and resources for patients navigating one of life’s most difficult diagnoses.
Full list of Supporters
https://1man1vote.com/wp/?page_id=916
