On the recordJuly 9, 2015
This year, more than 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, innovative research has led to more effective and accessible treatments. However, insurance has not kept pace with the science, and cancer patients are paying the price. Chemotherapy, previously administered only through injection, is now available for many types of cancer in pill form. Today, oral chemotherapy represents 35 percent of all new cancer drugs. However, copayments for oral chemo can be hundreds or thousands of dollars per month. As a result, it prevents patients from filling their prescriptions. A cancer patient should never be forced to make a treatment decision based on finances. That is why I joined Congressman Leonard Lance to reintroduce the Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act, which would require health insurance plans that cover traditional chemotherapy to provide no less favorable coverage for prescribed orally administered drugs. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan effort to ensure cancer patients can receive the treatments their doctors prescribe. ____________________
