Healey Signs Bill to Address Breast Cancer Screening Inequities
Legislation will eliminate costly barriers to follow up breast cancer screening
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – February 2, 2023 - The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosted a Cancer Action Day at the Utah State Capitol building today. ACS CAN volunteers, including cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers met with lawmakers and urged them to support legislation that will address high out-of-pocket drug costs.
Cancer patients and many Utahns with chronic conditions face hardship when faced with medical bills, including prescription drug costs. This is especially true for newer drugs – including cancer drugs – that do not yet have a generic equivalent. To help temper high prescription costs, many of these individuals receive copay assistance offered through manufacturer programs and charitable patient assistance programs.
Insurance companies are using a new practice called copay accumulator adjustments. While these programs allow the enrollee to use copay assistance, the amount of the support does not count towards the enrollee’s out-of-pocket cost obligations. Patients are often left with significant and surprise costs.
To get involved, visit www.fightcancer.org/utah or follow ACS CAN Utah on Twitter.