Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Kimberly Hughes
Baton Rouge, LA –“The Louisiana legislature recently passed legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients through co-pay accumulator legislation and the expansion of coverage for biomarker testing.
“Many cancer patients have difficulty affording the cost of their prescription drugs. In a co-pay accumulator program, co-pay assistance would not count toward the patients’ out-of-pocket costs. The co-pay accumulator legislation passed by the legislature will require that all payments made by patients, directly or on their behalf, count toward their overall out-of-pocket maximum or deductible.
“The biomarker testing legislation will enable more patients to benefit from biomarker testing, an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Dubbed ‘the right treatment, to the right patient, at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes.
“ACS CAN also thanks the legislature for maintaining funding for the state’s Breast & Cervical Health Program and the state’s Tumor Registry. We are looking forward to seeing Gov. John Bel Edwards sign all of these pieces of legislation into law.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.