I am woman, hear me roar OPINION

by Stacey Pheffer Amato

Last year, I wrote about the historic bill I had introduced, A.8537 (2022). Not only was it signed into law, but we are now celebrating the one-year anniversary of giving women full autonomy over their post-mastectomy bodies.

As it is October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I found it important to re-address this topic. In case you don’t remember, or for any new readers, this law ensures that insurance companies must pay for how a woman wants her chest to look after a mastectomy, with either a flat chest wall or full reconstructive surgery. The problem was that while many women pursue reconstructive surgeries after a full or partial mastectomy, some women pursue aesthetic flat closure, also known as “staying flat.”

However, this option was not covered by insurance, which meant doctors had to leave flabs or pockets of skin on a woman’s chest, or force a woman to pay completely out of pocket for this surgery.

That was unacceptable, and last year through my legislation, New York State became the first state in the country to require insurance companies to cover both procedures after a mastectomy: reconstruc- tive surgery or aesthetic flat closure.

In addition to post-care, I also want to stress the importance of precautionary measures women can take to detect and hopefully prevent breast cancer. We know that early detection of this disease can lead to a much better outcome.

As your state legislator, I have been -working to protect women’s health for years. In 2019, I worked to pass legislation that determined that a mammogram is medically necessary, which then expanded insurance coverage for annual mammograms for women 35 and older.

About one in eight U.S. women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the course of their lifetime, and sadly, we all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. A mammogram is the most effective screening tool to detect breast cancer in most women, and there should never be a concern over whether this necessary method is covered by insurance. I’m honored to know that for women in New York, there is no longer that type of barrier.

As we honor the brave women, and even men, who have battled breast cancer, we also celebrate these developments in resources. With all we have achieved, I know our work for women is not done.

I am committed to helping women and everyone to the best of my ability in my capacity as your assemblywoman. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov or by phone at (718) 945-9550.

As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to representing you for many years to come. Q

Stacey Pheffer Amato is New York State Assemblywoman for the 23rd District, in southern Queens and the Rockaways.

Primary school coming to RH

The School Construction Authority closed on four lots in Richmond Hill on Oct. 12, according to records from the city register.

The $18 million acquisition, from Beige Family Realty Company LLC, comprises 120-08, 120-20 and 120-30 Jamaica Ave., and 87-14 121 St.

The first site listed was previously the flagship location for Rubie’s Costume Co., a neighborhood institution that closed during the Covid pandemic.

Upon learning of plans to build a school in Richmond Hill earlier this year, parents had widely expressed their desire for a mid-