Oral chemotherapy proposal Burns advocated for passes House
Rep. Frank Burns October 8, 2014
HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – Language from a bill introduced by Rep. Frank Burns that would provide better access to care for cancer patients passed the House this week.
The proposal would require health insurance providers that cover intravenous cancer chemotherapy to equally cover oral chemotherapy treatment.
"The pill form of chemotherapy is the newest form of chemotherapy and, not only is it more convenient for cancer patients, compared to intravenous chemotherapy, which requires a visit to the hospital for its administration, it's also known to cause fewer side effects," Burns said. "This method of treatment can improve patient quality of life and this bill would give patients access to it without the higher cost that usually goes with it."
Under the bill, copayments, deductibles, co-insurance provisions and maximum out-of-pocket limits would have to be equal for all patients without regard to how the chemotherapy is administered. Burns also amended the bill in the House chamber to ensure that HMOs would be included under the bill's provisions.
"Parity for oral chemotherapy is something I have been fighting for the last several years so that Pennsylvanians suffering from cancer can receive the best quality of care possible," he said.
The bill (H.B. 2471) is now before the Senate for consideration.