Since 1998, federal law has required health plans to cover breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. But coverage on paper doesn’t always mean access to care. Too many Alabama women face delays, limited surgeon choices and out-of-network bills when they seek the reconstruction their doctors recommend, and some travel out of state or give up on reconstruction entirely. The Right to Recover Breast Cancer Act would help make sure the protections women already have work in real life.

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Why it matters

Women who have already fought cancer are now fighting for the medically necessary reconstruction their doctors recommend. For many survivors, reconstruction is part of healing: physically, emotionally and in getting back to their families and everyday life. The right option is different for every woman, and that decision belongs to her and her surgeon. Read the stories of women who have lived it →

“Reconstruction is not cosmetic. It is part of cancer treatment. It is part of healing.”
– Dianco Williams, Breast cancer survivor

The Access Gap

Federal law has required health plans to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy since 1998. In Alabama, that coverage doesn’t always reach the women who need it. Too few in-network surgeons, long waits for approval and last-minute paperwork leave women traveling out of state, paying out of pocket or going without. These gaps reach every corner of the state, in rural and urban counties alike.

Access4Alabama is by Alabamians, for Alabama families

We’re patients, physicians, families and community leaders from across the state, working so women can recover from breast cancer close to home and on their own terms. Learn more →