Gus Bilirakis: “I would like to provide additional background information on Congress' intent and understanding regarding section IX of…”

“I would like to provide additional background information on Congress' intent and understanding regarding section IX of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education provisions which may be cited as the ``Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.'' Title IX of this legislation contains the ``Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.'' This legislation, which requires coverage for reconstructive surgery following mastectomies, creates two new Sections in the Public Health Service Act--section 2706 which applies the requirement to health insurance issuers providing insurance coverage in connection with group health plans; and section 2752 which applies the same requirement to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Section 2706 requires a health insurance insurer providing health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, that provides medical and surgical benefits with respect to a mastectomy to include in their scope of coverage: (1) all stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed; (2) surgery and reconstruction of the breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and (3) prostheses and physical complication of mastectomy, including lymphedemas, in a manner determined under the terms of the plan or health insurance coverage in consultation with the attending physician and patient.”