Financial Toxicity & Equity
While was undergoing chemotherapy in Atlanta in 2019, bill collectors were calling her home. She had to work throughout her treatment and still had to declare bankruptcy in order to move forward. Today, she works as Support Services Coordinator at , where she administers the Financial Assistance Grant program helping provide women in need with small grants to pay rent, utility bills, etc. She encourages those she meets to speak up and advocate for themselves to uncover opportunities that she was unaware of during her active treatment. She sees many Black and Brown women who are disproportionately affected by eviction, choosing between treatments and food, traveling hours to access care, and learning too late about sources of financial help. is a focus for LBBC and will be addressed at the 17th Annual Online workshops are held April 26 and the hybrid plenary sessions offered in-person in Philadelphia and virtually — April 28-29.
You’ve Got Dense Breasts, Now What?
In early March, the FDA released new guidance requiring mammography centers to inform those getting mammograms whether they have dense breasts, a for breast cancer. This national guideline will stitch together the patchwork of laws that now exist in 38 states requiring mammographers to inform about breast density, but which differ in how that information is delivered. Women found to have dense breasts should talk to their doctor about next steps, but additional screening tests such as ultrasound and MRI, are not always covered by insurance. With FDA’s new guidance, LBBC is advocating that payers cover the costs of indicated tests. The law goes into effect in 2024. Find more at LBBC’s
DIEP FLAP Update
continues to advocate for a swift reversal of the decision by the US Centers for and Services (CMS) to pool -based surgeries like under a single billing code. Hundreds joined LBBC in signing demanding CMS reinstate the original code, with the goal of ensuring access to DIEP flap nationwide. See Jean’s interview with , the Phila-area PBS affiliate.
To arrange interviews with LBBC staff or the diverse patient population we serve,
Contact Denise Portner at .
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