Garbarino, Castor, Fitzpatrick, Chu Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Health Benefits Waiting Periods for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) today reintroduced theMetastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Judy Chu (D-CA-28) co-led this bipartisan legislation to eliminate waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer.

"Breast cancer affects thousands of families across New York each year, with over 16,800 women diagnosed and around 2,500 lives lost annually. Long Island continues to have one of the highest breast cancer rates in the nation," said Rep. Garbarino. "For those battling metastatic breast cancer-a disease responsible for nearly 90% of breast cancer deaths-every moment counts. With a life expectancy that can be as short as four months, there is no justification for forcing patients to endure unnecessary waiting periods for the health benefits they are entitled to. This legislation ensures they get the care they need when they need it, easing the financial strain and allowing them to focus on their fight."

Specifically, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Actwould eliminate the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals deemed disabled for SSDI and Medicare purposes must endure these waiting periods before receiving benefits. During this time, patients with metastatic breast cancer face significant financial and medical hardships, struggling to support themselves and access the critical care they need. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, many may not live long enough to utilize the SSDI and Medicare benefits they qualify for.

"The statistics are startling. In 2025, it is estimated that almost 43,000 people will die from breast cancer in the United States - 90 percent as a result of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). To save lives and improve breast cancer outcomes, we must increase access to affordable, high-quality care for individuals with MBC while also continuing to invest in research for treatments and cure. Our bipartisan bill would eliminate barriers and reduce current health disparities by immediately connecting recently diagnosed, eligible individuals with access to treatment. People diagnosed with MBC should not have to worry about long waiting periods for eligibility to care. I look forward to working with my colleague, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, to deliver financial security and critical care to families," said Rep. Castor.

"Each year, nearly 14,000 Pennsylvanians are diagnosed with breast cancer, and for those with metastatic breast cancer, the life expectancy ranges from just 4 to 36 months. Delaying access to life-saving care is simply unacceptable. This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare, ensuring immediate access to critical benefits. By alleviating financial burdens, we give patients and their families the freedom to focus on what truly matters-the fight for their lives. Cancer is not a partisan issue, which is why I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this critical legislation," said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

"Every day counts in the fight against metastatic breast cancer, and unnecessary delays in accessing crucial health care benefits only increases the likelihood of the cancer spreading and adds to the suffering of patients and their families," said Rep. Chu."I'm joining Reps. Castor, Garbarino, and Fitzpatrick in introducing the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act to eliminate waiting periods, ensuring that patients can immediately access the Medicare and Social Security Disability benefits they desperately need upon diagnosis. By removing these barriers, patients will be able to access the financial support they need at the most crucial moment in their fight against this devastating disease."

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act is endorsed by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC).

"The life expectancy of those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer is, on average, three years. This legislation will solve the urgent problem that women and men are dying before they can access earned benefits that they are legally entitled to," said Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. "We are grateful to Reps. Garbarino, Castor, Fitzpatrick and Chu for their leadership to close the loophole, and the NBCC advocate community is ready to work with them to ensure this legislation becomes law."

"I strongly support the timely passage of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act," said Joanne Marquardt, Long Island Field Coordinator for the National Breast Cancer Coalition. "Sadly, my daughter, Catherine, passed away from MBC. As a result of the cruel waiting periods, she received less than 48 hours of Medicare benefits which were used for hospice care before her death. Thank you, Rep. Garbarino, for your leadership toward ending these horrific waiting periods!! Let's get it done!!"

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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