Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the announcement that the Rudd Government is investing $43 million to support women with breast cancer.
Date: 20 September 2008
Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the announcement that the Rudd Government is investing $43 million to support women with breast cancer –delivering new breast cancer nurses to rural and regional areas and providing a subsidy of up to $400 for breast prostheses through Medicare Australia.
Breast prostheses
Australian women who have had a mastectomy because of breast cancer should start saving their receipts for breast prostheses. The Rudd Government is investing $31 million so that anyone purchasing a new or replacement external breast prosthesis after 1 July this year can claim up to $400 through Medicare Australia.
“Around 12,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Breast prostheses help to restore body image and self-esteem after surgery for breast cancer,” Senator Crossin said.
Currently women obtain their breast prostheses from a number of sources and arrangements vary between the states and territories. The new program will allow for a nationally-coordinated approach that provides financial assistance to eligible women.
Women seeking reimbursement for breast prostheses can lodge claims from today and Medicare will start payment of the reimbursements from 1 December.
People can find information about the program, including eligibility criteria, a fact sheet and claim form, on the Medicare Australia website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au – or they can phone Medicare Australia on 132 011 (call charges may apply), or visit a Medicare Australia office.
“These are important initiatives for women living with cancer, their families and carers. They are practical measures aimed at making a real difference to people’s lives,” Senator Crossin said.
McGrath Foundation
The Rudd Government is also investing $12 million for the McGrath Foundation to recruit, train and employ 30 new breast cancer nurses. The majority of these nurses will be located in rural and regional areas and in areas where there is currently no access to a breast cancer nurse.
The nurses will provide information, supportive care and care coordination to women with breast cancer and their families.
The McGrath Foundation was co-founded in 2002 by Jane and Glenn McGrath, after Jane’s initial recovery from breast cancer. Jane McGrath worked tirelessly for the foundation. She lost her brave battle with cancer on 22 June this year – and her inspiration lives on.