Debbie Dingell: “I am in support of a bill that will make a big difference in the lives of low-income women with cancer, H.R. 4386, the…”

“I am in support of a bill that will make a big difference in the lives of low-income women with cancer, H.R. 4386, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act. Two individuals have campaigned tirelessly for this bill and the rights of low-income women. First, I commend Representative Anna Eshoo. Were it not for the energy and attention that Ms. Eshoo brought to this issue, this bill would not be on the floor today. Secondly, I would like to remember Senator John Chafee, the original cosponsor of the companion bill in the Senate. The late Senator Chafee's advocacy for women, children, the poor, and the disabled will continue with the passage of this bill. We all know that early detection and treatment are the key to surviving cancer. This is the reason why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) uses Federal funds to provide free diagnostic tests for breast and cervical cancer for low-income uninsured women, many of whom are minorities. With this bill, the Federal Government will complete its commitment to the low-income women who are diagnosed with cancer through the CDC's screening program. No longer will women diagnosed through the program have to scramble to find state funds, rely on charity care, or incur enormous debts in order to pay for radiation or chemotherapy. H.R. 4386 will allow women to enroll in the Medicaid program for the duration of their cancer treatment, so that they can focus their energies on fighting cancer instead of the health care system.”