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LANSING, MI – As lawmakers dive into the new year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) looks ahead to what public health initiatives our lawmakers can accomplish in the 2021 legislative session. Michigan has a long way to go regarding tobacco control policy and access to care for cancer patients. Long after this pandemic passes, people deserve to live full, healthy lives. ACS CAN is advocating for:  Oral ...

... of those claims and see whether they are myths or truths. Statement 1: "Passing this legislation would raise the premiums of those purchasing health insurance." MYTH Many states that have enacted this legislation have not seen the increase in premiums that those against these efforts ... opine.  Statement 2 "Oral Anti-Cancer Medication Fairness is a mandate." MYTH Oral Anti-Cancer Medication Fairness legislation does not force health plans in Michigan to cover a service or any new benefit currently not required by state insurance law. Michigan’s health plans cover oral ... therapies that are coming to market have different mechanisms of action than older IV medications. As these therapies become the new standard of care, it is important that patients can access these medications. Of the approximately 1,000 cancer medications in the pipeline, approximately 80% ...

... is incredibly important for cancer patients who live far away from a hospital and depend on the convenience of oral chemo drugs for the care they need. ACS CAN staff and volunteers worked closely with State Senator Jeremy Nordquist, who introduced the measure, to bring the bill to a ... IV-administered anti-cancer medications. Also in the past few months, some states have tightened their legislative language, resulting in health plans complying to reduce the current cost sharing for oral chemotherapy that had previously been a problem for cancer patients. ACS CAN ...