Rogers Introduces Bill to Protect Community Cancer Care, Expand Access for Patients
Press Release
U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (MI-08) and Doris Matsui (CA-06) have introduced The Medicare Patient Access to Cancer Treatment Act, H.R. 2869, a bipartisan bill a bill that would will ensure cancer patients have the ability to choose which outpatient setting they prefer for their treatment, thereby expanding access and cementing the United States' role as a world leader in cancer care.
"Due to a fundamental flawed Medicare payment policy, community oncology clinics are suffering from serious financial difficulties and are struggling to keep their doors open," Rogers said. "This legislation would equalize reimbursements for cancer treatments regardless of whether the service is delivered in the hospital or a physician office. Without costing the government a penny, we can improve access to life-saving cancer treatments for patients across the country."
In the past year, 288 community clinics closed, 407 practices were financially struggling and 469 practices had entered into a contractual relationship or had been acquired by a hospital. The consolidation of cancer treatment services to the hospital outpatient setting has serious implications for patient access especially in rural areas where radiation therapy is not always available through local hospitals. Patients may be forced to travel long distances to receive care, posing a considerable barrier to care for individuals who require radiation treatment therapy daily for months at a time.
"While home to the most effective and successful cancer care in the world, reimbursement disparities in our nation's health care system currently hinder cancer patients from utilizing community-based physician practices," Matsui stated. "These payment disparities place a major burden on these community-based practices, on the patients themselves, and on our country's health care system. It also increases both seniors' out-of-pocket expenses and overall Medicare spending. I am pleased to be working with my colleague Rep. Mike Rogers to ensure that all cancer treatment providers receive equal rates of reimbursement for like services, so that patients can receive the care they need in the setting they desire."
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