The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (Women's Health Act) requires group medical plans such as those offered by UC that provide coverage for mastectomies to also provide certain related benefits or services.

Under a UC-sponsored medical plan, a plan member (employee, retiree, or eligible family member) who receives a mastectomy and elects breast reconstruction in connection with the mastectomy must receive coverage for the following: reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed; surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and prostheses and treatment of physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema.

Coverage will be provided in a manner determined in consultation with the patient's physician and is subject to the same deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that apply to other medical or surgical benefits covered under the plan.

If you have questions, please contact your medical plan carrier or refer to your carrier s plan booklet for specific coverage.