SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate has voted unanimously to close a legal loophole that some health insurance companies had used to decline payment for reconstructive surgery for women with breast cancer.
The Register-Guard reports the change will provide insurance coverage for breast reconstruction, even if only part of the breast is removed.
Because both federal and Oregon law refer only to mastectomies, some claims to cover reconstructive work after partial breast removal were occasionally turned down by insurance companies.
Health insurance companies did not oppose the bill that was unanimously approved by the Oregon House last month before the Senate passed it last week. Gov. John Kitzhaber is expected to sign the bill into law this week.
