Reconstruction After Breast Cancer: Will Medicare Pay to Replace Ruptured Implants?

asked 1 year ago by joan2u in Prescott, AZ
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 376 times
Tags: breast cancer, leak, medicare, MRI, revision, rupture

I had breast cancer 23 years ago with reconstruction. My implants have been replaced once, 12 years ago, and these are now leaking. Will Medicare pay for replacement? I was not on Medicare when they were replaced 12 yrs. ago. I have no photos but had a breast MRI which showed the leakage.

5 answers to Reconstruction After Breast Cancer: Will Medicare Pay to Replace Ruptured Implants?

Breast reconstruction

All insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, are mandated by law to cover all breast reconstruction procedures. This includes the primary surgery, implant exchange, symmetry procedures between breasts, and even nipple reconstruction and tattooing. I would also recommend asking your surgeon about changing to a silicone implant. These are very safe now and have a more natural feel and look. I hope this helps. Kindest regards Neil J. Zemmel more

Neil J. Zemmel, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

Yes, by law insurance companies must cover

Medicare and private insurance cover must by law cover treatment for the reconstruction of a breast cancer patient. This includes the the opposite normal breast to obtain symmetry. Chen Lee MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS

Chen Lee, MD
Montreal Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction

All post mastectomy reconstruction is covered by all insurances. This includes problems that may develop later on.

David L. Abramson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon