20 / 22
2017 EXPAT BENEFITS
GUIDE
18
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANCER
RIGHTS ACT (WHCRA)
If you have had or are going to have a
mastectomy, you may be entitled to certain benefits
under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
of 1998 (WHCRA). For individuals receiving
mastectomy-related benefits, coverage will be
provided in a manner determined in consultation
with the attending physician and the patient, for:
•
All stages of reconstruction of the breast on
which the mastectomy was performed;
•
Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast
to produce a symmetrical appearance;
•
Prostheses; and
•
Treatment of physical complications of the
mastectomy, including lymphedema.
These benefits will be provided subject to the same
deductibles and co-insurance applicable to other
medical and surgical benefits provided under the
medical plan.
NEWBORNS’ AND MOTHERS’ HEALTH
PROTECTION ACT
Group health plans and health insurance issuers
generally may not, under Federal law, restrict
benefits for any hospital length of stay in
connection with childbirth for the mother or
newborn child to less than 48 hours following a
vaginal delivery, or less than 96 hours following a
cesarean section. However, Federal law generally
does not prohibit the mother’s or newborn’s
attending provider, after consulting with the mother,
from discharging the mother or her newborn earlier
than 48 hours (or 96 hours, as applicable). In any
case, plans and issuers may not, under Federal
law, require that a provider obtain authorization
from the plan or the insurance issuer for prescribing
a length of stay not in excess of 48 hours (or
96 hours).
If you would like more information about maternity
benefits, please contact your plan administrator.