Moving Beyond Cancer in NOLA: Cancer Policy Institute March Newsletter

March 2019

Dear Catherine,

This month we are bringing you breaking news about the way our Medicare system might provide insurance coverage for one of the most innovative, new treatments available—CAR T-cell treatments. Through Coverage with Evidence Development, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is putting a focus on evidence generation and shared learning. Check out our blog and letter below to learn more about this groundbreaking therapies and the unique way CMS may provide coverage across the country.

Elizabeth F. Franklin, LGSW, ACSW
Executive Director
Cancer Policy Institute
action@cancersupportcommunity.org

Access to CAR T-Cell Therapies for Medicare Patients

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have recently released a National Coverage Analysis memo to decide how CMS will provide coverage for this innovative treatment. They have proposed coverage alongside a concept known as “evidence development.” Read more about CAR-T and the proposal around CMS coverage on our blog.

Advocate Spotlight: Heather Hall, Detroit, MI

"While cancer definitely doesn’t define me, it played an integral part of leading me on my life’s path. When I finished bone cancer treatment, I promised myself that I would help others fight this disease and work to create a positive impact on my life and others. Cancer reminds me to be kind to others, be brave, seek adventures, live without regrets, open my arms and heart to possibilities. And to laugh, a lot."

Read more about Heather's journey and devotion to ensuring that everyone receives patient-centered care.

A New Leader for the FDA

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the current Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in early March that he would be resigning from his post. Now, HHS Secretary Alex Azar has shared the news that Dr. Ned Sharpless, the current director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent successor is nominated by President Trump. Read more about the FDA's new leadership.

Sign up for the Cancer Experience Registry

The Cancer Experience Registry, run by the Research and Training Institute at CSC, is a unique online community that allows people facing cancer to share their experience, identify the issues that impact their lives, take surveys, access resources and learn from each other. It is free, confidential, and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or provides care to a cancer patient!