Jay Rockefeller: “I am very pleased to be reintroducing a modest but important bill that would establish a demonstration project to assure…”

“I am very pleased to be reintroducing a modest but important bill that would establish a demonstration project to assure Medicare beneficiaries with cancer that Medicare will cover their routine patient costs when part of a clinical research trial. I am especially proud to have Senator Mack joining me again as my key cosponsor. It is a privilege to work with Senator Mack, who knows the anguish of fighting cancer only too well. Mr. President, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Medicare beneficiaries account for more than half of all cancer diagnoses, and 60 percent of all cancer deaths. Over 12,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year in my own State of West Virginia. Access to clinical trials is especially important in the field of cancer. With today's rapid discoveries of new cancer therapies and the lack of effective treatments for some cancers, peer-reviewed clinical trials often provide cancer patients the best available care. Our legislation will promote that vital research.”