Forum Discussion

Michelle_Marven's avatar
Michelle_Marven
Member
15 years ago

Breast prosthesis replacement for women in flood areas

Hi everyone,
 
We know that many of you have been affected by the recent floods, so we wanted to share with you some great news.

We have just heard that Medicare Australia is now until further notice, accepting claims from women who want to replace a breast prosthesis they have lost in the floods.

If you live in the flood disaster declared zones, and have lost a breast prosthesis through the floods, please contact Medicare Australia on 132 011. Only those women who live in the flood disaster declared zones are eligible.

If you haven't been affected by the floods but know someone in your network who has lost a breast prosthesis, it would be great if you could let them know about this.

We want to thank one of our fantastic members, Zoe, for raising this issue with BCNA, and to also thank the Government for responding so promptly to this issue and achieving such a great outcome!

Michelle

3 Replies

  • BrownEyes's avatar
    BrownEyes
    Member
    15 years ago

    I know I'm on here a little late, but I wanted to commend Michelle for the awesome article. I was wondering how I'd be able to get a replacement. Thanks! =)

  • Michelle_Marven's avatar
    Michelle_Marven
    Member
    15 years ago

     

    Hi Sue,

    What a frustrating situation for you. A recent government evaluation of the breast prosthesis reimbursement scheme recognised this issue, where some women lose or gain weight as a result of breast cancer, and need to therefore replace their prosthesis sooner than the two year waiting time. 

    The evaluation recommended that the Department of Health and Ageing monitor how many women may be affected, and to review this in 12 months.

    So it would be worth writing a letter or emailing the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon about your situation. I know this doesn't help you in the short-term, but in terms of trying to achieve some change, every little bit helps!

    There is some information about the evaulation report on our website, if you'd like to read a little more.

    http://www.bcna.org.au/news/2011-05/results-prostheses-reimbursement-program-evaluation-released

    Best wishes Sue,

    Michelle

  • sue_jeisman's avatar
    sue_jeisman
    Member
    15 years ago

    I just want to raise an issue I have with Medicare and see if guidelines can be changed for women in similar situations. I had my first bout of breast cancer in 1987 and have worn a prosthesis since. In December 2010 I lost my other breast to breast cancer. I was a fairly big girl and one of the upsides of this whole saga is that now I can choose to be a much smaller size ... or can I? It turns out that I can't replace my large prothesis until October 2011 (since I had my last one replaced in 2009). Despite having a doctor's certificate stating I need 2 prothesis I can only get one now and another in October. I can just go flat chested for a few more months (which isn't a hugh problem for me) but I think there has to be a commonsense solution to this problem on the part of Medicare.