A mastectomy in the United States typically has a billed cost of about $10,000 to $30,000 for the surgery itself, and often $25,000 to $60,000 or more when breast reconstruction is done at the same time. Mastectomy for breast cancer or cancer prevention is covered by Medicare and private insurance, so most patients pay far less than the sticker price, usually up to their plan’s out-of-pocket maximum. A federal law, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, requires health plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction.
| Cost item | Typical 2026 US range | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Mastectomy billed total (without reconstruction) | $10,000 to $30,000 | Covered by Medicare and most plans for cancer or prevention |
| With immediate reconstruction | $25,000 to $60,000 or more | Reconstruction covered under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act |
| Medicare or private out-of-pocket | Up to the plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum (often $8,000 to $9,450 in 2026) | Depends on deductible, coinsurance, and network |
| Uninsured billed charges | Highest; financial assistance strongly advised | Not covered up front; hospital assistance and cancer-support programs available |
| Cost drivers | Single vs double mastectomy, lymph node surgery, reconstruction, hospital days | Reconstruction and node surgery add cost |
What Affects Mastectomy Cost
- Single vs double mastectomy: Removing both breasts costs more than one.
- Lymph node surgery: A sentinel node biopsy or fuller node removal adds to the total.
- Reconstruction: Immediate reconstruction, with implants or your own tissue, raises the cost and lengthens surgery.
- Hospital stay: Simple mastectomy may be outpatient; reconstruction usually means a longer stay.
Insurance and the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
Mastectomy for breast cancer, and preventive (risk-reducing) mastectomy when medically indicated, is covered by Medicare and commercial plans. Under the federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, a group health plan that covers mastectomy must also cover breast reconstruction, surgery on the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, breast prostheses, and treatment of related complications. Your out-of-pocket cost still depends on your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.
Help With Costs
- Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance for lower-income patients.
- Cancer-support organizations offer financial navigation and grants.
- Ask your care team about a financial counselor early.
- Request a good-faith estimate under the No Surprises Act if uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mastectomy cost in the US?
Billed costs are typically about $10,000 to $30,000 for the mastectomy itself, and often $25,000 to $60,000 or more with reconstruction. With insurance, most patients pay up to their plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.
Does insurance cover a mastectomy and reconstruction?
Yes. Mastectomy for cancer or prevention is covered, and the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires plans that cover mastectomy to also cover reconstruction and related care.
Does a double mastectomy cost more?
Yes, removing both breasts generally costs more than one, and adding reconstruction increases the total further.
What help is available if I cannot afford it?
Hospital financial assistance, cancer-support grants, and payment plans can help. A financial counselor on your care team is a good first contact.
Related Reading on Know Your Surgery
- Mastectomy: Overview, Types, and What to Expect
- Mastectomy: Procedure, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
- Mastectomy: FAQs, Statistics, and Patient Stories
See how this compares with other procedures in our US Surgery Cost Index.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Coverage of cancer surgery. https://www.medicare.gov/
- American Cancer Society (ACS). Mastectomy. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html
- US Department of Labor. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/whcra
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH. Breast cancer treatment. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general education and reflects typical 2026 US ranges, which vary by surgery type, reconstruction, insurer, and region. Verify costs with your care team and insurance plan. This article is not medical or financial advice.
