Living with cancer shines a light on many things that the average person is not aware of.
In America, our health insurance is largely tied to our jobs. If you get a cancer diagnosis you may not be able to work and therefore lose your insurance. The irony is that when you need insurance most, it’s hardest to get.
Did you know that If you have stage 4 breast cancer and need Medicare there is a 24-month waiting period? There is also a 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
Statistics on how long people survive with stage 4 breast cancer is unclear*. Previous statistics showed the average survival rate was 2-3 years. Yet there is a 24 month waiting period to get Medicare coverage. See the math problem here?
You can help me get the attention of lawmakers. It doesn’t even require a phone call.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (S. 1312/H.R. 3183) would amend the Social Security Act to eliminate waiting periods for social security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) and Medicare coverage for eligible individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
You can support this act by filling out this online form. It will generate a letter to your elected representatives. I just did this and it took all of 5 minutes. Click on the text below.
*Survival rates for stage 4 breast cancer is messy. The introduction of CDK 4/6 inhibitors in 2015 was a game changer. It increased life expectancy significantly. In addition, people diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer are not counted in national statistics until they succumb to the disease. That is another post by itself.
Life As I Know It 