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Survivor Tool Kit

Advocating for HD1854

What's in your tool kit?

Sending a Letter/Email

Anchor 1
Instructions

​Find your legislator here.

  • Click on your representative's name (in blue).​

  • Near the top of the page, next to their photo, you will see their email address, mailing address, and phone number. You will need this info to send your email/letter/call.

​​Copy the template below.

  • For writing an email, copy it into a new email in your email inbox.​

  • For writing a letter, you can copy it into a Word document and print it, or write the letter by hand.

Customize the letter to fit you!​

Send the letter.

  • For sending an email, copy your representative's email from the previous site, into the recipient part of the email. ​

  • For sending a letter, put your letter into an envelope, and send it to their address at the previous site.

 Give yourself a pat on the back!!​

​

Letter/Email Template

DATE
The Honorable _____________
(Position) State Representative, State Senator
State House, Room ________
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Representative (or Senator) (Name)______________________:

As a lifetime citizen of Massachusetts, a resident of (Your Town), MA and a (Type of Cancer) Cancer Survivor and a member of the Massachusetts Oncology Patient Survivors and Supporters (MOPSS), I am writing to request you SUPPORT legislation that assists head and neck cancer patients with coverage for medically necessary dental procedures as a direct result of medical treatment for head and neck cancer, currently known by the docket number HD1854.

This year, approximately 1500 Massachusetts residents will be diagnosed with a form of head and neck cancer with an 80% survival rate. Our cancer is not like other cancers, we must deal with the lingering effects of radiation, like extreme dry mouth. We must go to the dentist a recommended 4 times a year for cleanings and use special prescription toothpaste; deal with tooth loss and other periodontal diseaes. Often it is told to head and neck cancer patients that radiation thereapy is "the gift that keeps on giving".

Your story/Your why…/if possible pleae include $ figures and is you were denied by insurance (and if it was medical or dental insurance).…………………………………………

This is an opportunity for Massachusetts to lead the country with important healthcare legislation! Residents of the Commonwealth must require insurers doing business in MA to cover medically related dental treatment and prosthetic devices arising from a medical condition.  

I urge you to SUPPORT dental health equity legislation for cancer survivors. MOPSS is a nonprofit group working to secure equitable insurance coverage for people in Massachusetts who need medically related dental care. We strive to bridge the gap between physical and oral care through awareness and legislative advocacy.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)
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