Murphy, Murkowski Reintroduce Bill To Give Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients A Fighting Chance

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.) on Thursday reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would give metastatic breast cancer patients access to support and medical care well before the current law allows. The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would waive the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits for eligible individuals with metastatic breast cancer. U.S. Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.-02) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer shouldn't have to wait months or even years to get the support they need to fight this horrible disease. Many die waiting for benefits. Our bill would get rid of these unnecessary waiting periods so patients can focus on getting the care they need as soon as they need it, without having to worry about red tape," said Murphy.

"For many women living with metastatic breast cancer, waiting five months for disability insurance or two years for Medicare coverage simply isn't an option, they need support now," said Murkowski. "Cancer takes an enormous toll on patients and their families, and it's just common sense to expedite these benefits so women can access help when it's most urgently needed. Women's health and the fight against cancer have long been top priorities of mine, and I'm proud to partner with Senator Murphy on legislation that offers real relief to those battling this devastating disease. And to all women 40 and older, please remember to get your annual mammogram - early detection saves lives."

"Women and men with metastatic breast cancer live an average of three years after their diagnosis. These individuals-already facing enormous physical, emotional, and financial burdens- are dying while waiting for earned benefits they are entitled to under the law," said Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC). "Speaking on behalf of the tens of thousands of NBCC advocates across the country, we are grateful to Senators Murphy and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership to end this arbitrary waiting period. We stand with them to move this bill into law."

The full text of the legislation is available here.