Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998
On October 21, 1998, a bill was signed into law by President Clinton, known as the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (Public Health Law 105-277). This legislation requires all group health plans to provide coverage for certain services related to mastectomies, reconstructive surgery following mastectomies, and prostheses required after mastectomies.
The aforementioned Act requires a group health plan to provide written notice to each participant and beneficiary regarding the coverage which is provided as part of this mandate. This notice must be transmitted in one of the following manners:
1. In the next mailing made by the plan or insurer to the participant or beneficiary;
2. As part of any yearly information packet sent to the participant or beneficiary; or
3. Not later than January 1, 1999; whichever is earlier.
We have included a draft payroll stuffer which could be used in an effort to comply with this legislation.
If after reviewing this information you have any questions or you require assistance of any kind, please do not hesitate to call us at (315) 425-1424.
Sincerely,
Locey & Cahill, LLC
Dear Health Benefits Plan Member:
On October 21, 1998, a bill was signed into law by President Clinton, known as the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (Public Health Law 105-277). This legislation requires all group health plans to provide coverage for certain services related to mastectomies, reconstructive surgery following mastectomies, and prostheses required after mastectomies.
By means of this letter, we are please to advise you that our health benefits plan has made the necessary adjustments to our health insurance plans to ensure compliance with this law. These adjustments entitle an enrollee, receiving benefits in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction in connection with such mastectomy, coverage for:
1. Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed;
2. Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
3. Prostheses and treatment of physical complications of all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedemas.
This coverage will be provided in consultation with the attending physician and the patient. Additionally, this coverage will be subject to plan deductible, coinsurance, and co-payment provisions consistent with those established for other benefits under the plan.
If you have any questions regarding coverage related to mastectomies, please contact {insert name and phone number of insurance administrator here}.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Sincerely,
{Your Name Here}