Download Lymphoma Research Foundation Endorses Cancer Treatment Parity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Peggy Ann Torney
646-465-9109
[email protected]
Lymphoma Research Foundation Endorses Cancer Treatment Parity Act
Federal legislation would ensure patient access to new oral anti-cancer medications
New York, NY – The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation’s largest nonprofit
organization devoted exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving the lymphoma
community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient
services – today announced its support of the Cancer Drug Treatment Parity Act. The bipartisan
legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier today by Senators Al Franken (D-MN) and Mark
Kirk (R-IL).
“We applaud Senator Franken and Senator Kirk for their leadership and for introducing this important
legislation,” said Elizabeth Thompson, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “An increasing number of new
treatments for lymphoma are oral agents, and access to these medications is critical for patients.”
Insurance coverage has not kept pace with innovation and the growing trend toward orally administered
cancer medication; as a result, many patients are exposed to unmanageable cost sharing requirements in
order to access oral cancer therapies. The Cancer Drug Treatment Parity Act requires that any health plan
which provides coverage for cancer chemotherapy treatment provide coverage for orally administered
anticancer medication at a cost no less favorable than the cost of an intravenous or injected cancer
treatment. Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of
Representatives earlier this year; the Foundation endorsed that legislation as well.
“This bill would ensure equality of access and coverage for all cancer treatment regimens,” said Meghan
Gutierrez, LRF Chief Program, Policy and Communications Officer. “Our health care system must keep
pace with new methods of delivery of cancer treatment so that the benefits of the nation’s research system
are available to patients without undue obstacles or delay.”
Members of the LRF Advocacy Program, a network of more than 5,000 patient and caregiver volunteers,
have participated in efforts to educate members of Congress about this issue and the effect it has on
people with lymphoma.
“I have been pleased at how enthusiastic lawmakers have been about their support, once they understand
the issue,’ said Mike Falk, an LRF advocate and mantle cell lymphoma patient from Maryland.
“Treatment decisions should be based upon a patient’s discussion with their doctor, not their ability to
pay.”
Members of the lymphoma and greater cancer communities can learn more about the Cancer Drug
Treatment Parity Act by visiting lymphoma.org.
About the Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to funding
innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education
programs, outreach initiatives and patient services. To date, LRF has awarded more than $54 million in
lymphoma-specific research. For additional information on LRF’s research, education and services, visit
lymphoma.org.
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