Item 3 of 15
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomyA woman’s plan paid for her mastectomy. A year later she decides to have reconstructive surgery, including surgery on the other breast so the two match.
Does health insurance pay for it?
Correct. Not quite. A federal law passed in 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, requires most health plans that cover mastectomies to also cover reconstruction. That includes all stages of rebuilding the breast, surgery on the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, prostheses, and treatment of complications such as lymphedema. Normal deductibles and coinsurance apply. Plans are not allowed to label it cosmetic, and there is no deadline for choosing it.