ACS CAN Applauds Assembly Vote to Put Patients First
Calls on Senate to Pass Step Therapy Reform Legislation
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Assembly today passed bi-partisan legislation that would properly balance the needs of patients with the need to control healthcare costs. If enacted this measure would protect New Jerseyans from the dangers of step therapy, which forces patients to “fail first” on less expensive drugs before being able to begin using the medication their doctor prescribed.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Michael Davoli released the following statement:
“Right now in New Jersey it is not physicians and their patients who decide how to treat many cancer patients and those living with other chronic conditions. It is insurance companies, using step therapy policies. This forces patients to fail first on other drugs before being allowed access to the drug that their doctor has prescribed. This policy can result in needless suffering by the patients as well as putting needless stress on their families and caregivers.
“The Assembly today has passed legislation that, if enacted, will ensure that New Jersey patients have access to the right medicine at the right time while, at the same time, help manage healthcare costs. We thank Assemblyman Herb Conaway for sponsoring this crucial public health measure. We look forward to working with the Senate and Governor Murphy to pass and enact this legislation. Please protect New Jerseyans and their families as they face life threatening chronic health issues.”
About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy 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 together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.