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Congressman Duarte Supports Rapid Benefits for Late-Stage Breast Cancer Patients

Washington, August 8, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) endorsed a new law to improve access for late-stage breast cancer patients. Rep. Duarte worked with his colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus, which is a group of Democrats and Republicans who find common ground on pressing issues and put the country above party politics. The proposal, H.R. 549, seeks to eliminate the waiting periods for advanced breast cancer patients with Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).  

 

Congressman Duarte's Statement: 

 

"Our Valley’s breast cancer patients face enough physical and mental challenges, and we must support them immediately," said Rep. Duarte. "Delaying care even one day for our breast cancer patients is unacceptable. I, like most Americans, have seen this diagnosis destroy families, but I’ve also seen how beneficial rapid care can be for patients, families, friends, and our Valley. Removing these unnecessary wait times is not an option for me; it's an obligation as a father, husband, community member, and your Congressman." 

The Proposal Seeks to: 

  1. Eliminate the 5-month waiting period for SSDI coverage.  

  1. Eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage. 

Background: 

  • 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.  

  • An estimated 43,780 people in the U.S. died from breast cancer in 2022.  

  • 90% of these deaths were due to late-stage breast cancer, which occurs when cancer spreads from the breast to the patient’s bones, lungs, and other parts of the body. 

  • While effective treatments exist, there is no cure for late-stage breast cancer, and the average life expectancy is about three years.  

  • Delaying treatment leads to significantly higher mortality rates. According to a recent study, the risk of death was 73% higher for a three-month delay. 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition, the National Partnership for Women & Families, the National Women’s Health Network, the Problem Solvers Caucus, and many other Democrats and Republicans endorsed this proposal.