Patient Advocates Applaud Cancer Drug Parity Act filed in both the U.S. House and Senate

“The Cancer Drug Parity Act” will end the out of pocket cost disparity for certain cancer treatments based solely on how insurers classify that medicine.  Currently, most insurance companies place traditional IV chemotherapy treatments under a patient’s medical benefit, while oral chemotherapy treatments are covered as part of a patient’s prescription drug benefit.  Because of this discrepancy, patients on oral treatments can be forced to shoulder much higher out of pocket costs for their medications.  For some cancers, oral medications are the only line of treatment.

“We are thrilled that this bi-partisan group of leaders in both the House and Senate have come together to help cancer patients ensure that they have affordable access to all available treatments,” said Robin Levy, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the International Myeloma Foundation who chairs the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care.  “When passed into law, the Cancer Drug Parity Act will ensure that cancer patients—who are in the fight of their lives—don’t have to fight for the medications their oncologist prescribes.”

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