The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998

Annual Notices Under WHCRA

Health plans must provide annual notices describing the benefits required under WHCRA.

The annual notice must include:

• Information on the availability of mastectomy-related benefits under the plan, including benefits for reconstructive surgery, surgery to achieve symmetry between the breasts, prostheses, and physical complications resulting from mastectomy (including lymphedema); and
• Contact information (e.g., telephone number) on how to obtain a detailed description of the WHCRA benefits available under the plan.

The Department has developed a model annual notice that may be helpful. Correct use of the model will generally assure compliance with the statutory requirements.

Does your health plan provide annual notices describing the benefits required under WHCRA as described above?

Yes
No