Regulations/Legislation
3-23-07 - Medicare Payments for Cancer Care
January 2007 issue of Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP), published by ASCO, is devoted to Medicare payments for cancer care and related issues. All articles published in JOP are available full-text online without charge. The January issue is available at http://www.jopasco.org/current.dtl.
6-16-06 – Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2006
H.R.5437 was introduced on May 19 to amend the Social Security Act to extend for 6 months the eligibility period for the "Welcome to Medicare" physical examination and to eliminate coinsurance for screening mammography and colorectal cancer screening tests in order to promote the early detection of cancer. During the physical for new Medicare beneficiaries caner screenings would be scheduled. The American Cancer Society (ACS) supports the legislation. http://thomas.loc.gov and www.asco.org
6-16-06 – Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2006
On May 24, H.R. 5465 was introduced to amend the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning under the Medicare Program and to improve the care furnished to individuals diagnosed with cancer by establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration program and grants programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management programs, provider education, and related research.
Based on the Institute of Medicine(IOM) report, Ensuring Quality Cancer Care', elements of quality care have been considered in writing this bill. They include
- Development of initial treatment recommendations by an experienced health care provider
- Development of a plan for the course of treatment of the individual and communication of the plan to the individual
- Access to the resources necessary to implement the course of treatment
- Access to high-quality clinical trials
- Mechanism to coordinate services for the treatment of the individual
- Psychosocial support services and compassionate care for the individual
The IOM further recommends individuals with cancer completing primary treatment be provided a comprehensive summary of their care along with a follow-up survivorship plan of treatment.
The legislation is supported by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) and patient advocacy groups. It is currently in committee.
Source: http://thomas.loc.gov and www.asco.org
Senate Bill 1955: Wrong for Cancer Screenings
Under fire in Washington is the proposed Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act, (HIMMA)" or Senate Bill.1955. This bill passed committee in April but action has been delayed based on receiving 20,000 signatures in opposition to the bill. The bill would allow trade organizations and similar groups to form coalitions to buy health insurance. Coverage will differ from state-to-state but the bill will override state plans that now pay for mammograms, colorectal and cervical cancer screenings, diabetes supplies, and other coverage. Several sources state that employees will lose benefits as employers seek less expensive health insurance benefits.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is holding protests this week in opposition to the bill. For more information Google Senate Bill 1955 or contact your local ACS Office. Urge your US senators to vote NO on Senate Bill 1955.
6-16-06 – Update: Senate Bill 1955 Voted Down
In May of this year, the Senate blocked the controversial bill known as The Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005 (HIMMA). The bill would allow small businesses, across state lines, to join in purchasing health insurance at affordable rates and is thought to be one way to address the problem of the uninsured. Opponents are concerned that the bill would allow the new coalitions to bypass state-mandated benefits, coverage, and rules thereby eliminating consumer protection for health care. They cite loss of coverage for prenatal, maternal care, immunizations, diabetes coverage, cervical and colorectal screenings, and mammograms to name a few. Additionally, access to providers of care would be cut. The full Senate report suggests that versions of this bill have been around since the 1970s. Although voted down in May, another version of the bill is expected to appear in the next Congress.
You've reached the end of this section.
[ Previous Page ] [ Home ]
This page was last modified on 3/29/2007, at 1:40:05 pm ET.
Web site developed by Meniscus Limited.