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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. ###