ON THE FINAL DAY OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, CONGRESSWOMAN GOODLANDER HELPS LEAD LEGISLATION TO END LIFE-RISKING WAITING PERIODS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

The following information was released by the office of New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander:

**New Hampshire has the 5th highest rate of breast cancer in the United States, with nearly 1,300 women diagnosed each year**

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is helping to lead the bipartisan Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. This bill will eliminate waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer.

"Before taking the oath of office, I served in the White House, where I led the Unity Agenda for the Nation. That agenda was dedicated to solving big challenges that unite all Americans, including ending cancer as we know it," said Congresswoman Goodlander. "Breast cancer has touched nearly every family across our country, including my own. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure metastatic breast cancer patients can get the lifesaving care they need, before it's too late."

Specifically, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would:

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.

Resources: The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is here to help Granite Staters. For more information and resources on screening and diagnostic services, visit their website here.