Access to Oral Chemo
Do cancer patients have access to the latest anti-cancer medications? If the newest chemotherapy comes in the form of a pill, the answer may be no. But with the help of hundreds of volunteers across the state, the American Cancer Society successfully advocated for change.
Insurance covers oral chemotherapy under its pharmacy benefit. Under some plans, co-payments or co-insurance for oral chemotherapy medicines can run into the hundreds or thousands every month. At a time when families are struggling with the emotional, physical and financial burdens that accompany cancer, they shouldn't have to worry about making a large out-of-pocket expenditures in order to receive lifesaving medication. Too many patients are forced to choose between paying their mortage, utilities, food or medicine.
That's why the American Cancer Society supported the Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act (SF 1761/HF 1847), a bill that would ensure that patients' out-of-pocket costs for oral chemotherapy medicines are more affordable and more in line with what patients pay for access to intravenous chemotherapy.*
American Cancer Society volunteers raise millions of dollars every year for cancer research. The Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act will ensure that all cancer patients benefit from scientific progress through access to the newest and most effective medicines.
The Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act was signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on May 13th.
Revisor No. 09-3152
Session Law Chapter: 326
Please take a few moments to thank lawmakers who supported this effort.
The Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act passed the Minnesota House on a vote of 101 to 20 on May 5th.
The Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act passed the Minnesota Senate on a vote of 59 to 5 on May 7th.
If you're not already a member, please join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network: www.acscan.org. Become part of our grassroots movement. We'll keep you informed so that you can contact your legislator at the critical moment to have the greatest impact.
On behalf of cancer patients and their families, thank you for your support.
*Note that the Oral Chemotherapy Parity Act would impact those patients in the fully insured market.
