Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act

Signed into law in October 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) includes benefits for mastectomy related services.

Under the AlaskaCare health plans, any person who receives benefits for a medically necessary mastectomy may also receive benefits for:

• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical or balanced appearance
• Prostheses (or breast implants)
• Treatment of physical complications of all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedemas

If you have questions about coverage of a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, please call HealthSmart’s AlaskaCare Customer Service at (877) 517-6370.