August 2018
Dear Catherine,
As we head into Labor Day weekend, we are reflecting on a summer that included a flurry of policy activity. Most notably, efforts to shape the health care system continue, particularly through the Executive Branch. In August, we joined 10 other organizations to submit comments on the Trump Administration’s Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs.
As you will see below, we are concerned about policy decisions that have the potential to remove patient choice and negatively impact people at risk for, or living with a history of, cancer. However, we are constantly heartened by the efforts of advocates like Mirchelle Louis of Dallas, Texas, our fearless affiliate leader who won this year’s policy and advocacy award.
As policy changes show no sign of slowing down, we hope you will continue to share your stories and work with us as we help decision makers understand the implications that policies have on the real lives of patients and survivors every day. Thank you for everything you do.
Elizabeth F. Franklin, LGSW, ACSW
Executive Director
Cancer Policy Institute
action@cancersupportcommunity.
Executive Director
Cancer Policy Institute
action@cancersupportcommunity.
CMS Decides to Put Treatment Decisions in the Hands of Insurers
On August 7, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance giving Medicare Advantage (MA) plans (private insurance plans approved by Medicare that cover hospital and medical expenses) the option of applying prior authorization and step therapy for physician-administered and other Medicare Part B drugs (effective January 1, 2019) stating that this policy change will lower costs, improve quality of life, and ensure that patients receive the most preferred treatment.
Advocate Spotlight: Mirchelle Louis, Dallas, TX
"I know we’re all super busy, but advocacy is very important and this is a great time to get involved. You’ll really enjoy the experience and our voices and especially the voices of our participants do make a difference."
Read more from Mirchelle and her passion for defending and increasing access to health care for all.
There are so many ways to engage in advocacy. If you are active in your community, your state, or across the country, share your advocacy story with us-- you may be featured in the next newsletter!
CSC and it's Gilda's Club Affiliates are available all over the country
The Cancer Support Community and it's Gilda's Club Affiliates are in over 40 locations nationwide, over 170 hospitals and community locations and even has international locations! Our local affiliates provide dozens of opportunities to connect with a community, learn, and benefit from a host of completely free programming. Our CSC North Texas affiliate hosts over 100 programs, classes, or workshops per month alone. Visit our website to find CSC/GC locations and programs nearest you.
Short-Term, Limited Duration plans harm patient access
On August 1, 2018, the Administration finalized another policy that will impact access to quality health insurance coverage by expanding the availability of short-term, limited duration (STLD) insurance plans that are not required to cover essential health benefits or pre-existing conditions. Read our blog to learn more about these plans and how they could affect your ability to get quality health insurance coverage.
For breaking updates on health policy news and opportunities to engage, follow us on Twitter! Click on the Twitter icon or find us @CSCCancerPolicy
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