Lawmakers Approve Two-Bill Plan to Improve Healthcare Access and Transparency

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, representing California's 43rd District and serving as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, recently presented two crucial pieces of legislation: the Medicaid Breast Cancer Access to Treatment Act (HR 4543) and the Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act (HR 4545) in the House of Representatives.A longstanding champion for breast cancer patients, Waters first pursued legislation in 1978 to mandate insurance coverage for reconstructive surgeries and prosthetics following mastectomies. Her commitment to equitable breast health continues to fuel these new initiatives to provide comprehensive care and knowledge for women facing breast cancer treatment.Waters expressed serious concern regarding ongoing disparities in breast cancer care: “These two bills aim to guarantee that all breast cancer patients receive quality treatment and are fully informed about their reconstruction options.” Co-sponsored by multiple representatives, these acts aspire to bridge gaps in care, particularly for low-income women facing these health challenges.