Posts: 8,126
7/19/12 1:22 P

Thanks for the info!

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7/18/12 3:58 P

Not one cent out-of-pocket. When I made my appointment for the fitting, they did ask the name of my doctor (could be either primary care, oncologist, or NP) and they got a script from her. Each patient is covered for up to $800 and Medicare is billed directly.

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Posts: 8,126
7/18/12 10:48 A

That is great info for me as someone who works with breast cancer patients and survivors. Thank you.

One question...did you have to pay and then get reimbursed? Or did the shop bill Medicare directly?

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7/17/12 12:45 A

Most private health insurance companies provide that benefit as well, so you don't have to 65 to get it.

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7/17/12 12:39 A

I just celebrated my 2-year anniversary. My tumor (invasive ductal, hormone +, herceptor-) was a little less than 3 cm and had not spread to the lymph nodes, so all I needed was a lumpectomy followed by brachy radiation (the internal form when you go every day for one week then you're done). After talking with other survivors, I definitely considered myself fortunate (no one but another woman who's gone through breast cancer would understand my gratitude for a "good" tumor). There was no need for reconstruction, but I've gone these two years with two different sized breasts and the aggravation of not being able to find any bra that would fit both the kids correctly - a small inconvenience in the scheme of things.

I turn 65 next week and went on Medicare this month, and for the first time learned there is a 'boob benefit' for breast cancer patients/survivors. At my local cancer center I made an appointment for a professional bra fitting, thinking at least I would get some good info on styles that would work for me and correct sizing. I was totally blown away when I found out that I was covered for a thin, natural looking "shell prosthesis" that would fit into a pocket of a post-cancer bra and even them out. Also covered were 6 bras as well - I opted for 2 sports models, 2 soft casual wears, and 2 dressier models that allowed a little cleavage (hey, I figure if I still have it.......). The woman who did the fitting was a 5 year survivor and was incredibly helpful and knew exactly what she was doing and what would work for me. I left there with a huge smile on my face and over $700 worth of merchandise I never would have been able to purchase for myself. Probably most people I encounter casually wouldn't even be aware of the difference in my breast sizes, but I knew about it and it detracted from my self-image. Now, not only do I look good, I feel good about myself as well - a huge step. I almost started feeling a little guilty about getting this benefit while other women go without treatment or medication, then I came home and saw the Cialis and Viagra commercials during the news and realized Medicare was subsidizing these users. What's good for the goose.....

Just wanted to post here and make sure everyone else out there knew about this bennie. Oh, I forgot to add that I can go back each year after 12 months and get 6 new ones.


Carol

Edited by: CARPROTH at: 7/17/2012 (10:05)

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