Dr. Elizabeth Potter advocates for Senate Bill 1137 to improve breast reconstruction access

A pivotal moment unfolded during the Oregon Senate Committee on Health Care meeting on March 18, 2025, as Dr. Elizabeth Potter, a reconstructive surgeon from Austin, Texas, passionately advocated for Senate Bill 1137. This legislation aims to improve access to critical breast reconstruction surgeries for women affected by breast cancer, addressing a significant gap in healthcare coverage.

Dr. Potter, who performs around 250 deep flap surgeries annually, highlighted the struggles many women face in securing affordable care. "What this bill does is provide a way that doesn't take advantage of their vulnerability," she stated, emphasizing the need for a transparent payment pathway that protects patients from exploitative practices. She noted that many women resort to loans or credit cards to afford these essential procedures, often falling prey to providers who balance bill or demand cash payments.

The bill specifically targets women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer, aiming to create a clearer framework for insurance coverage. Dr. Potter acknowledged that while the procedure is technically challenging and not widely performed due to poor reimbursement rates, this legislation could inspire a new generation of surgeons to focus on reconstruction rather than cosmetic procedures.

Committee members engaged in discussions about the bill's language, ensuring it adequately addresses the needs of women while also considering broader implications for gender-affirming care. Jesse O'Brien from the Department of Consumer and Business Services expressed the department's willingness to assist in refining the bill's technical details.

Mary Ann Cooper from Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon also voiced support, indicating a commitment to collaborate on necessary adjustments to ensure the bill's effective implementation.

As the meeting concluded, the significance of Senate Bill 1137 was clear: it represents a crucial step toward equitable healthcare access for women battling breast cancer, with the potential to set a precedent for similar legislation nationwide. The committee's ongoing discussions will determine the bill's final form and its impact on the future of reconstructive surgery in Oregon.