A bill making oral cancer treatments more affordable is on its way to becoming law. Currently, chemotherapy pills are typically covered under a health plan’s pharmacy benefit, while IV drugs are under the medical benefit, making oral treatment more expensive for some patients. Representative Jacqueline Sly says that means some people may not chose oral chemotherapy, even if it’s the best option.
“The decision for treatment should be made between a patient and their oncologist,” Sly says. “Which treatment to use should not be based on finances. Out of pocket costs influence decisions for treatment, rather basing it on what is best for the particular patient, and the most effective treatment.”
Senate Bill 101 does away with the disparity between the cost of IV and oral treatments. It unanimously passed through the House of Representatives, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.