Hi Diane - Thanks for providing this comprehensive look at the response to the suggested breast cancer screening guidelines.
An important point to keep in mind is that most health insurance plans operate on a contractual basis that specifies whether or not the plan will cover specific services. The agreed upon services are still in force and are not affected by the new guidelines.
It has taken significant lobbying to get many plans to include and/or maintain mammography as a covered service. Those who have strong feelings about what should be covered, and when it should be covered, may want to review their insurance plans to clarify the specific coverages, and then discuss the matter with those responsible for the benefit plans in their companies or their state legislators if covered by a Medicaid program.
It's going to be up to women to make their voices heard on what services we need for our own best health. It's sad to hear so many politicians trying to turn this into a political issue and point fingers. The real need is to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer in the best way possible for the benefit of the women, and men, who get this disease.
Best Regards,
Pat
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Hi Diane - Thanks for providing this comprehensive look at the response to the suggested breast cancer screening guidelines.
November 19, 2009 - 5:46pmAn important point to keep in mind is that most health insurance plans operate on a contractual basis that specifies whether or not the plan will cover specific services. The agreed upon services are still in force and are not affected by the new guidelines.
It has taken significant lobbying to get many plans to include and/or maintain mammography as a covered service. Those who have strong feelings about what should be covered, and when it should be covered, may want to review their insurance plans to clarify the specific coverages, and then discuss the matter with those responsible for the benefit plans in their companies or their state legislators if covered by a Medicaid program.
It's going to be up to women to make their voices heard on what services we need for our own best health. It's sad to hear so many politicians trying to turn this into a political issue and point fingers. The real need is to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer in the best way possible for the benefit of the women, and men, who get this disease.
Best Regards,
Pat
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