We wanted to make you aware of two bills introduced in the past week in the House of Representatives that aim to improve the quality of care for cancer patients on Medicare.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2006
On Wednesday, Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA) introduced HR 5465, the "Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2006," to reformthe Medicare system so it more appropriately pays for all of the services needed to provide patients with comprehensive cancer care.

Of primary interest to oncologists is that HR 5465 would establish a new Medicare service for the development of: 1) a treatment plan at the beginning of primary therapy and communication of the plan to the patient, and 2) a cancer care summary and follow-up care plan at the end of primary therapy and communication of the plan to the patient. These services are essential to providing the resources needed to assure quality care for patients, both during and after their term of active treatment for cancer.  

The legislation, supported by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), patient advocacy groups and many cancer centers also includes provisions to improve symptom management and palliative care for patients.

Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2006
HR 5437, the "Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2006," introduced May 19 by Rep. Clay Shaw (R-FL), would eliminate coinsurance payments for mammograms and colorectal screenings in Medicare. Currently, Medicare provides coverage for breast, cervical, colon and prostate cancer screening tests, for which beneficiaries must provide a 20 percent co-payment.

The legislation, supported by the American Cancer Society (ACS), also would extend the availability of the "Welcome to Medicare" physical for new beneficiaries from six months to one year for the next five years. At the physical, a physician will examine the new Medicare recipient to overview his/her health status and schedule screenings for cancer and other diseases.

ASCO supports the principles of these legislative efforts and continues to work to improve access to care for cancer patients on Medicare. We will keep you posted on the status of these bills and others as they move forward.

For more information, contact ASCO’s Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department, at 703-299-1050 or by e-mail at publicpolicy@asco.org.