; 42 U.S.C. 201 note), many private insurers and group health plans began to provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses as an alternative to surgical breast reconstruction. (11) While the Medicare program recognizes custom fabricated breast prostheses as a discrete device and valid treatment option, having assigned a billing code for such option under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System ( HCPCS ) and setting a maximum allowable fee, Medicare does not provide reimbursement and denies claims as ‘not medically necessary’. Medicare does provide reimbursement, however, for more costly surgical breast reconstruction. (12) Due to the fact that the Medicare program does not provide reimbursement for custom fabricated breast prostheses, many private insurance companies have also begun to limit their reimbursement for them. (13) The Department of Veterans Affairs does provide the option of a custom fabricated prosthetic breast for women post-mastectomy. (14) Providing coverage for custom fabricated prosthetic breast devices and components will not increase the incidence of breast mastectomies. 2. Coverage (a) In general Section 1861(s)(8) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(8) ) is amended— (1) by adding and after the semicolon at the end; (2) by inserting (A) after (8) ; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) custom fabricated breast prostheses following surgical removal of the breast, including replacement of such prostheses; . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1862(a)(7) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(7) ) is amended by striking 1861(s)(8) and inserting 1861(s)(8)(A) . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after the date of enactment of this Act.