Fragmented care and misaligned incentives of stakeholders in breast cancer care for the uninsured in the United States.

Abstract

Access to and provision of breast cancer care in the United States for uninsured and underinsured patients is influenced by a complex network of advocates, legislative bodies, health care providers, and patients. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program of 1990 and Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 were milestone health policy changes that increased access to breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for vulnerable populations. Implementation of these policies has been faced with challenges from the administrative, patient and provider perspectives. This commentary sheds light on the landscape of breast cancer care for the uninsured in the United States today, and identifies gaps that may benefit from universal healthcare policy.