Fond Du Lac Times

Representatives Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brian Higgins (D-NY), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) have introduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act, a bill aimed at lowering costs for cancer patients prescribed oral medications. The bill requires health insurers to provide coverage for oral cancer treatments that is equivalent to conventional intravenous (IV) treatments.

Oral cancer treatments have proven to be a game-changer for cancer patients, as they can be administered in the patient’s own home and are less intrusive than IV treatments. However, these treatments have often been costly for patients. A study found that one in eight patients faced copayments of $2,000 or more for their first prescription of oral cancer medications.

Representative Glenn Grothman emphasized the importance of affordable cancer treatments, stating, “Every American deserves the most effective cancer treatments available at the most affordable cost. As oral medications increase in popularity among cancer patients, we cannot allow outdated health insurance plans to prevent patients from opting for their preferred method of treatment."

Representative Gus Bilirakis also highlighted the need for access to the best treatments, saying, "Cancer patients should have access to whichever treatment gives them the best chance to fully recover. Technological advancements are improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. Patients deserve to benefit from these advancements."

Representative Suzanne Bonamici expressed her support for the bill, stating, “Oral cancer treatments are an effective option for many patients and can allow for care at home and better disease management. Unlike traditional IV treatments, oral chemotherapy is typically not covered by health insurance plans, leading to high costs and unaffordable co-payments for patients. I’m glad to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act to level the playing field for cancer patients and expand access to lifechanging cancer treatments."

The Cancer Drug Parity Act is seen as crucial in ensuring that health insurance coverage keeps up with advancements in cancer treatment. Representative Joe Morelle stated, “By bridging the gap between outdated technology and cutting-edge therapies, this act empowers patients to access the best care available."

Representative Brian Higgins, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, emphasized the importance of making cancer care more affordable, accessible, and manageable, stating, “Advancements in cancer care, like oral treatments, shouldn’t place a greater financial burden on patients and families. Together we are making cancer care more affordable, accessible, and manageable, which will ultimately save lives."

The bipartisan Cancer Drug Parity Act would end the disparity in coverage for oral cancer treatments and ensure that patients have affordable access to these less intrusive treatments. The International Myeloma Foundation endorsed the bill, stating that it is a crucial step towards increased access to life-saving treatments.

Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, praised Congressman Grothman for spearheading the bill, saying, “Ensuring health insurance plans cover cancer treatment at an affordable cost, regardless of how it’s administered, is key to ensuring access to the most innovative therapies for patients across the country."

Under current law, oral chemotherapy is not uniformly covered by health insurance plans, leading to high costs and unaffordable copays for patients. The Cancer Drug Parity Act aims to address this issue by prohibiting insurance companies from imposing pricier copayments on cancer patients compared to IV treatments.

The bill also builds on the success of state-level efforts, as more than 40 states, including Wisconsin, have enacted "oral parity" laws. These laws have made a significant difference in the affordability of oral cancer medications for patients.

The Cancer Drug Parity Act will expand oral parity protections to privately-insured patients under federal regulation and prevent insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV chemotherapy. The legislation will apply to health plans that already cover both oral and IV chemotherapy treatments.

With the introduction of the Cancer Drug Parity Act, Representatives Grothman, Bonamici, Bilirakis, Morelle, Fitzpatrick, Higgins, and Matsui are working towards making cancer treatments more affordable and accessible for all patients.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3716