Bill · H.R. 4545· House(119-HR-4545)
Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act
- Introduced
- 7/17/2025
- Last activity
- 7/17/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Maxine Waters
- Cosponsors
- - 30 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act," seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It focuses on the Medicare program regarding breast reconstruction surgery. The legislation requires suppliers to provide specific information to individuals undergoing a mastectomy. This information must state that breast reconstruction surgery following a medically necessary mastectomy is covered under national coverage determination 140.2. Additionally, the supplier must document that this information was provided in the individual's medical record. These requirements must be met to ensure payment is made for the mastectomy.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would women be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically targets access to reconstructive services following a mastectomy, which predominantly affects women.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
Seniors on Medicare benefit from increased information regarding their coverage for breast reconstruction.
Would retired people be better off under this?+5
Retirees utilizing Medicare benefit from improved clarity on coverage for reconstructive procedures.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Medical suppliers face new administrative burdens and documentation requirements to ensure payment.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Awareness of Coverage: The bill requires that a supplier informs an individual that breast reconstruction surgery following a medically-necessary mastectomy is covered under the Medicare program per national coverage determination 140.2 (Section 2). This ensures people know they have access to these services.
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Record Keeping for Accountability: The legislation mandates that the provider documents the provision of this information within the individual's medical record (Section 2). This creates a formal trail of the information shared with the patient.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Payment Restrictions for Suppliers: The bill states that no payment may be made under the Medicare program for a mastectomy unless the supplier follows the specific information and documentation requirements (Section 2). This places a mandate on the supplier to ensure they comply before receiving payment.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+6Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Business Owners-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+3
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/9/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/17/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 25 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Yvette ClarkeDemocrat · New York
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Cleo FieldsDemocrat · Louisiana
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Jesús GarcíaDemocrat · Illinois
Sylvia GarciaDemocrat · Texas
Jahana HayesDemocrat · Connecticut
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania
George LatimerDemocrat · New York
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland
Terri SewellDemocrat · Alabama
Andrea SalinasDemocrat · Oregon
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Lori TrahanDemocrat · Massachusetts
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York
Marc VeaseyDemocrat · Texas
Debbie Wasserman SchultzDemocrat · Florida
Frederica WilsonDemocrat · Florida
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey