Oregon to Require Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Insurance companies would have to cover breast reconstructive surgery for patients in Oregon who have mastectomies if the governor signs legislation that has been passed by both houses of the state egislature.

The bill, which goes farther than a federal law requiring insurers to cover mastectomies for breast cancer, streamlines the approval process for mastectomy treatment and mandates coverage for all phases of breast reconstruction.

"Many insurance companies require a separate authorization process for every stage of the procedure," said state Sen. Vicki Walker, sponsor of the legislation.

She said many insurers until now have refused to to authorize a final phase that adds a nipple to the newly constructed breast.

Several other states have passed similar legislation since Congress passed the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act in 1998.

Other Sources: Oregonian