October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers mammograms for women over age 40? Under the health care reform law, certain preventive services must be covered without cost-sharing, including mammograms. This benefit applies to both fully insured and self-funded plans that are non-grandfathered plans. While grandfathered plans are not required to implement these changes, some grandfathered plans have chosen to offer preventive care services, such as mammograms, at no cost-share. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. The American Cancer Society is actively fighting breast cancer by helping women get tested to find breast cancer earlier, and helping them understand their treatment options and cope with the physical and emotional side effects. The American Cancer Society has played a role in nearly every breast cancer breakthrough in recent history. Their staff, of full-time researchers, produces detailed analyses of breast cancer trends and investigates the links between lifestyle and breast cancer. They also fund external researchers dedicated to finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat the disease, and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients and survivors. HR Strategies is proud to be able to support the American Cancer Society, through our participation in the Gwinnett Relay for Life every May. Relay for Life events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Every year, the Relay for Life movement raises more than $400 million worldwide.

We encourage all of you to support the American Cancer Society and to get your mammograms!