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• Ness

  

  • 81 posts
  June 10, 2011 12:21:06 PM WATime

  Report

   

  Evaluation of National Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program

   

   

  Tuesday, 07 Jun 2011

   

   

  Health Minister Nicola Roxon has released the findings of an evaluation of the government's National Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program. Health Minister Nicola Roxon has released the findings of an evaluation of the government's National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program.

   

   

  This program reimburses women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer with up to $400 towards the cost of each external breast prosthesis, every two years.

   

   

  The evaluation, undertaken by an independent consultancy firm, reviewed the administration of the program and the impact the program is having on the lives of women who have a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.

   

   

  More than 370 women with breast cancer contributed to the evaluation through surveys, interviews, emails and focus groups.

   

   

  Minister Roxon thanked women who took part and said 77% had agreed the program had a 'positive impact on their quality of life'. 76% said they had been pleased with their overall experience of the program, and 81% agreed they had been treated with sensitivity while making their claim through Medicare.

   

   

  The evaluation found three key areas of concern however:

   

   

   

   

  • The program requires wider promotion 

   

   

  • Only 50% of women surveyed agreed that a reimbursement every two years is sufficient. Whilst no changes to this aspect of the program have been announced, the evaluation report proposes that consideration be given for reimbursements to be paid within the two year time frame in some circumstances, such as weight loss due to cancer treatment. 

   

   

  • The inability of some women experiencing financial hardship to pay the upfront cost of an external prosthesis. Whilst the Department of Health adn Ageing consider this an important issue, to date they have been unable to find a solution that is viable and cost-effective.

   

   

   

  This post was edited by Ness at June 10, 2011 12:21:06 PM WATime"

  The Click Project Coordinator
  

  Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!