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Release Date:06/01/1999
Release Number: USDL: 99-22
Contact Name:Gloria
Della
Phone Number: 202.219.8921 |
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The U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services are
seeking public comments on coverage and notice requirements under the Women's
Health and Cancer Rights Act. |
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The request for information (RFI), published in the
May 28 Federal Register,
seeks information in several areas needed by the two departments. The Act
amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) -- which is
administered by the Labor Department -- and the Public Health Service Act
administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. |
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The Act, signed into law on Oct. 21, 1998, provides protections
for mastectomy patients who elect breast reconstruction. Under the Act, group
health plans, insurance companies, and health maintenance organizations
offering coverage for a mastectomy must also cover reconstructive surgery in
connection with a mastectomy. Coverage for breast reconstruction -- in a manner
determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient -- must
include:
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reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been
performed;
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surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a
symmetrical appearance; and
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prostheses and physical complications at all stages of
mastectomy, including lymphedema.
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The law also sets standards on annual deductibles and coinsurance
and prohibits certain compensation arrangements. In addition, group health
plans and health insurance issuers are required to notify participants of their
rights under the law upon enrollment and each year thereafter. |
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Written comments should be provided to the departments on or
before June 28th. The comments should be addressed to the Health
Care Task Force, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Room N-5677, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, ATTN:
WHCRA Solicitation of Comments. Written comments may also be sent by Internet
to the following address: whcra-comments@pwba.dol.gov. |
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For additional information about the coverage and notice
requirements of the Act, see a Fact Sheet and a
series of commonly asked questions and answers at PWBA's website at
www.dol.gov/pwba. Copies of the
request for information are available from the Public Disclosure Room, N-5638
at the above address, telephone (202) 219-8771, or at PWBA's website address
above under "What's New in PWBA." |
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U.S. Department of
Labor news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this
news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your
request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7775. |
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