Raymond Johnson checked himself into the emergency room last month for a throbbing pain in his chest.

The 26-year-old was stunned when the doctors delivered his diagnosis: breast cancer.

Uninsured and unable to pay for costly chemotherapy and surgery, the Cross resident followed the advice of his patient advocate and applied for a Medicaid program that covers breast cancer treatment.

A few days later, Johnson got another surprise. He was denied for the program because he is a man.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act, a federal law enacted in 2000, uses Medicaid funds to cover treatment for breast cancer or cervical cancer patients who otherwise wouldn't qualify for the state and federally funded health insurance program for the poor and disabled. Patients must meet a host of eligibility requirements.

According to the South Carolina Medicaid agency, Johnson met all except one: Men aren't allowed.

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