Susan G. Komen® Commends Bill Introductions; Urges Quick Passage
INDIANAPOLIS – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization commends Representative Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) for working with Komen to introduce legislation on two vitally important issues, removing financial barriers to breast imaging and eliminating step therapy drug protocols for metastatic cancer patients.
“These bills can make an immediate impact for thousands of Hoosiers who require diagnostic, or supplemental breast imaging yet are unable to afford it and often forego the tests,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Everyone should be able to access the treatments prescribed by their provider without burdensome insurance requirements, especially when it could mean the difference between a person’s life and death.”
HB 1061 and HB 1062, introduced by Rep. Pryor, would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging and prohibit step therapy protocols for advanced, metastatic cancer patients.
The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging procedures, ranging from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, often force individuals into the difficult decision of making significant financial sacrifices or foregoing their necessary early detection tests. Delays in imaging will result in later stage diagnoses – when the cancer is much deadlier and much more costly to treat.
Step therapy, also referred to as “fail first,” requires a patient to first try a preferred (often generic alternative) drug prior to receiving coverage for the originally prescribed drug. Studies have shown that a four-week delay in treatment for metastatic cancer is associated with increased mortality. Patients and physicians should have the opportunity to choose the best treatments and therapies without the burden of overly restrictive cost containment policies.
“Cancer is a serious health challenge that needs to be taken seriously by insurers, and that’s why I’m proud to file House Bill 1061 and 1062,” said Rep. Pryor. “From guaranteeing coverage for breast exams are fully covered for state employees and women with accident and sickness insurance or HMOs to ensuring that advanced cancer patients receive the drug that’s right for them from the start, these bills will improve early cancer detection and treatment. I’m proud to work on behalf of all women and our brave and resilient cancer patients this session.”
