State Representative Kim Banta (R-Ft. Mitchell) is working to make breast cancer treatment more affordable and accessible through a pre-filed measure that would remove financial restraints from accessing care. The bill, BR 86, would mandate that the Department for Medicaid Services exempt individuals who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer from meeting spend-down requirements to be eligible for Medicaid services.
Kim Banta
“Metastatic breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that takes people’s lives every day,” Banta said. “Individuals dealing with this devastating disease should not be burdened by meeting cumbersome bureaucratic requirements when trying to access care. The patient’s sole focus should be on their recovery and health, and I believe we should do everything in our power to eliminate financial restraints associated with accessing treatment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. In Kentucky, female breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer by the rate of new cases. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 3,800 new cases of female breast cancer this year.
American Cancer Society statistics for Kentucky on all kinds of cancer. ACS estimates there will be 3800 new cases of female breast cancer this year.
“We know that this horrible disease is unfortunately all too common- especially in Kentucky,” Banta added. “This prevalence is what makes this issue so critical. I look forward to discussing this important issue with my colleagues in the coming months.”
If signed into law, this proposal would require the approval of a Medicaid state plan amendment from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The pre-filed bill will be considered during the 2021 Legislative Session, set to convene in January. Details of the pre-filed legislation can be found here. For more information, please visit legislature.ky.gov.
