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Expand Access to Biomarker Testing in Washington

... testing.   Hear Marysville, WA survivor, Robin Sparks, share her story about access to biomarker testing. What is Biomarker Testing? In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient . A “ biomarker ” is a sign of a normal biological process, ... that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing. Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities. Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing ...

HHS Hears Cancer Patients’ Concerns About Timely Access to Drug Therapies in Medicare Part D

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued its final rule for Medicare Part D which does not include the full range of proposed changes to drugs in the ... cancer patients will be relieved to hear their access to innovative new drug therapies will not be in question under this finalized rule. Cancer care often requires specialized treatment targeted at a patient’s specific tumor and these treatments are rarely interchangeable. ... be excluded based on a pre-determined price alone. Concern remains, however, over how this may affect patients starting new therapies. “Cancer care is a race against time. We are glad HHS and Secretary Azar listened to the countless patients who voiced their serious concern over the ...

Cancer Advocacy Group Commends Legislature for Passing Legislation Enhancing Diversity in Clinical Trials

... groups such as minorities, women, and older adults. This disparity not only hampers the relevance of study findings but also perpetuates health care inequities, as treatments may not be equally effective across diverse populations. “Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to ... ACS CAN looks forward to seeing Gov. Pritzker sign this legislation into law so Illinois can take this significant step towards improving health outcomes." 1 1 Cancer Advocates Look Forward to Seeing the Governor Sign Legislation Ensuring More Diversity in Clinical Trials Cancer ...

Forum to Outline a Path to Improve Outcomes for Cancer Patients

... Action Network of Louisiana policy forum brings together community leaders in healthcare and government policy to tackle the state’s access to care and tobacco issues. Chief among factors affecting cancer patients’ outcomes are potential obstacles to Medicaid enrollment, the price of ... from Medicaid Covers US educational campaign — our new project to create a conversation about Medicaid and the role it plays in the health and well-being of our families, friends, and communities. WHO:                  Nick Albares , policy adviser to Gov. John Bel Edwards Raegan Carter , consultant for Americans for Non-Smokers Rights Michael Celestin Jr. , instructor of Behavioral and Community Health at LSU Health Sciences Center Ron C. Henderson , deputy commissioner of consumer advocacy for the Louisiana Department of Insurance Tiffany ...

State Lawmakers Prioritized Landmark Legislation Benefiting Cancer Patients

... outstanding commitment to the well-being of cancer patients by passing a series of crucial bills designed to enhance research and access to care for those affected by cancer,” said Ally Lopshire, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. ... barriers to clinical trials, which are essential in the fight against cancer. Genetic testing legislation, SB 2679, requiring state-regulated health plans to provide coverage for cancer-related genetic testing at a cost of no more than $50 to patients, will ensure more patients have the information they need to better understand their lifetime cancer risk. Short-term health plans, HB 2499, a provision banning short-term health plans, will help ensure cancer patients in Illinois have access to affordable, ...

ACS CAN Urges House Members to Stand up for Cancer Patients and Their Families by Protecting Medicaid and Opposing Budget Resolution

... the House oppose this bill because it would detrimentally impact access to Medicaid for many people. Research consistently shows that access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid increases cancer screenings rates, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improves access to timely cancer treatment and survival rates. “One out of ten adults with a history of cancer relied on Medicaid for their health care in 2023, according to data analyzed by the American Cancer Society, underscoring the critical role Medicaid plays in helping cancer patients ...

NJ Step Therapy Tweet to Action Page

... has made life harder for many New Jerseyans.  They don't need their insurance carrier to make them jump through hoops before they can get the care their doctor prescribes. @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou must support S3051 and #ReformStepNJ. The practice of step therapy has grown ... to a vote. Reforming step therapy means ensuring that it is ✔ safe for patients ✔ clinically grounded, and ✔ transparent to patients and health care providers. #ReformStepNJ We need @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou to bring S3051 to a vote. Fail first policies can result in patients not ... these plans. @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou must pass S3051 #ReformStepNJ In an analysis of coverage decisions for 17 of the 20 largest commercial health insurers in the U.S., it was found that ALL insurers used step therapy to restrict access to drugs, ranging from 2% to 49% of coverage ...

Legislation Introduced to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment in Maine

AUGUSTA – Today, LD 1577 was introduced in the Maine Legislature and sent for reference to the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. This bill will allow more Mainers to receive biomarker testing – a routine step in accessing personalized medicine treatments that has become an increasingly important part of cancer care in recent years due to its significant impact in improving survivorship and quality of life. Progress in the fight against cancer has been in ... director of government relations for ACS CAN. “By aligning coverage of biomarker testing with the latest science, we can help achieve better health outcomes, improved quality of life and potentially reduced costs by allowing some Mainers to bypass costly and ineffective treatments, and ...

New York City Virtual Week of Action

... throughout the week Tweet : . @NYCMayor @NYCMayorsOffice & @NYCSpeakerCoJo cancer screenings save lives. Pls maintain funding to the NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene Cancer Prevention & Control Program to ensure that all who lack health insurance have access to free cancer screenings. #FightCancerNYC Tweet : .@Dromm25 @NYCSpeakerCoJo @NYCCouncil City residents deserve access to vital cancer care. We urge you to maintain funds in the budget for our community partners working to improve cancer services to underserved communities through ...

Amicus Brief Filed in Medicaid Expansion Lawsuit

Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Emily Kalmer Jefferson City, MO -  “ Health and patient advocacy groups filed an amicus curiae (or friend-of-the-court) brief today in the Missouri Supreme Court, noting the vital role ... by expanding Medicaid is truly lifesaving. Tomorrow, Oklahoma will join 36 other states to ensure more low-income individuals have access to health insurance.  The majority of voters expected Missouri to do the same.”     ### About ACS CAN at 20  The American Cancer Society Cancer ... affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand ...

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