[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BREAST CANCER PATIENT PROTECTION ACT

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                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro' s ``Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 
2008,'' H.R. 758. On September 25, 2008, I voted in favor of H.R. 758, 
which passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 421-2. The 
Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act will require that health plans 
provide coverage for a minimum hospital stay for mastectomies, 
lumpectomies, and lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast 
cancer and coverage for secondary consultations.
  The numerous petitions and personal stories issued by Americans prove 
the need for enactment of Federal legislation to guarantee minimum and 
adequate benefits for patients with breast cancer. H.R. 758 will 
prevent hospitals from rushing women out of their facilities after 
undergoing a mastectomy the same day.
  I would like to take this opportunity to make my vote in honor of the 
late Paula Renfroe, who died 6 years ago due to breast cancer. Like 
many women in the United States, Paula was rushed out of the hospital a 
few hours after undergoing a mastectomy. Paula and her family were sent 
home with a few instructions to follow to change her wound and 
administer the strong medications provided to her. The Breast Cancer 
Patient Protection Act will prevent hospitals from forcing families to 
complete the medical healing process of a loved one to cut costs and 
instead, allow family members to provide the emotional support to their 
loved ones so desperately needed during such times.

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