Why Handful Qualifies for Coverage
Handful bras meet medical criteria for reimbursement as post-surgical and mastectomy bras following breast surgery, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction.
They can be billed using HCPCS code L8000 for patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer or mastectomy, while breast forms and pads can be billed under HCPCS code L8020.
Easy Insurance Billing with Compression Care
We've partnered with Compression Care to help you navigate insurance coverage and billing. They specialize in processing insurance claims for post-surgical and mastectomy garments, taking the hassle out of reimbursement.
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Insurance verification
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Direct billing (no upfront cost for covered amounts)
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Claims processing and follow-up
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Documentation help
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Reimbursement support
What You Need for Coverage
1
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of breast cancer or mastectomy from your healthcare provider
2
Prescription
A prescription for a post-surgical or mastectomy bra
3
Medical Documentation
Medical documentation supporting the medical necessity
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Handful Covered
If You Already Have a Diagnosis and Prescription
You're ready to work with Compression Care! Here's the process:
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Fill out the Handful form on compressioncare.com
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They'll verify your coverage and let you know what your insurance will cover
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Submit your prescription and diagnosis documentation to them
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They'll process the billing directly with your insurance company
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Receive your Handful bra with minimal out-of-pocket cost (depending on your plan)
If You Don't Have a Prescription Yet
Here's how to advocate for yourself:
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Schedule an appointment with your surgeon, oncologist, or primary care physician
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Discuss your needs - explain how a supportive, comfortable post-surgical bra supports your recovery
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Request a prescription that includes:
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Diagnosis code (ICD-10) for breast cancer or mastectomy
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Specific garment type: "post-surgical bra" or "mastectomy bra"
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HCPCS code L8000 (for the bra) and L8020 (if you need breast forms or pads)
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L8000 covers a bra with pockets designed to hold a mastectomy form or breast prosthesis. To qualify for insurance reimbursement under L8000, you must also have a covered breast prosthesis or form (typically billed under L8020 or L8030) — the bra and prosthesis are covered together as a system.
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L8000 bras can be constructed from any material, any size, with or without underwire. The code is not limited to a specific bra style or cost.
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Note: L8001 and L8002 cover bras with an integrated prosthesis — if your bra and breast form are a single combined garment, those codes may apply instead. Compression Care will determine the correct code for your specific situation.
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Number of bras needed (many providers recommend 2-3 for rotation)
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Insurance Codes Explained
HCPCS Code L8000
L8000 covers a bra with pockets designed to hold a mastectomy form or breast prosthesis.
HCPCS Code L8020
This code covers breast forms, pads, and inserts that may be used with your Handful bra.
What Insurance Plans Cover Handful?
Most private insurance plans cover post-mastectomy bras, including:
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Blue Cross Blue Shield
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UnitedHealthcare
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Aetna
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Cigna
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Humana
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And many others
Most major insurers cover post-mastectomy bras under WHCRA, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and many regional plans. Coverage specifics vary by plan, but most private insurance policies cover 4 to 6 bras per year with a valid prescription and diagnosis documentation.
Other Coverage Options
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Medicare Part B
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Medicare Part B covers mastectomy bras as durable medical equipment when used with a covered breast prosthesis. For 2026:
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You must first meet the Part B deductible ($257)
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After the deductible, Medicare pays 80%; you are responsible for the remaining 20%
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Fabric and foam prostheses may be replaced every 6 months; silicone prostheses every 2 years
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Bras may be replaced on the same schedule as your prosthesis
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Medicaid
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Medicaid coverage varies by state. Most states cover post-mastectomy bras, but quantities and documentation requirements differ. Contact your state Medicaid office or ask Compression Care to verify your specific benefits.
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TRICARE
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TRICARE covers 2 initial mastectomy bras and 2 replacement bras per calendar year. Breast prostheses are typically limited to the first set, with replacements subject to medical review.
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Veterans Benefits (VA Healthcare)
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VA healthcare covers mastectomy bras as medical supply items. Eligible veterans may receive up to 7 surgical bras per year. One replacement silicone prosthesis is covered every 24 months.
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
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Handful bras prescribed for medical reasons are eligible for purchase using Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. You do not need to go through an insurance claim process to use FSA/HSA — your itemized receipt and prescription are typically sufficient. Check with your account administrator for their specific documentation requirements.
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Uniform Allowances
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First responders, airline employees, and others with employer uniform allowances may be able to apply those benefits. Worth asking your HR or benefits administrator.
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Already Purchased Your Handful? You Can Still Get Reimbursed
If you've already bought your Handful bra, don't worry! You can still submit for insurance reimbursement.