October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month along with Awareness Day — today, Friday October 13, reminds Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata who is a cosponsor of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 549).

Amata was in the first group to cosponsor this bipartisan bill in February after it was introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) with Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), and the legislation has continued to gather the support of over 200 Members of the House.

The bill waives the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, which is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Under current law, individuals generally wait months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us come together to show our unwavering support for the countless individuals and families affected by this disease. A diagnosis can seem devastating, but there is also much hope, improving treatments, and strong support available,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Together, we can raise awareness, promote early detection that saves lives, and work towards a future where breast cancer is a thing of the past.”

H.R. 549 has the support of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.