Susan G. Komen® Commends Bill Introductions; Urges Quick Passage
INDIANAPOLIS – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization commends Representative Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) for working with Komen to introduce legislation on two vitally important issues, removing financial barriers to breast imaging and eliminating step therapy drug protocols for metastatic cancer patients.
“These bills will help address the financial and administrative barriers the breast cancer community face in accessing needed health care services. HB 1114 can make an immediate impact for thousands of Hoosiers who require diagnostic or supplemental breast imaging yet are unable to afford it and, as a result, often forego the tests,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “We believe everyone should be able to access the treatments prescribed by their provider without burdensome insurance requirements, especially when it could mean the difference between a person’s life and death, and HB 1112 would make that a reality.”
HB 1112 prohibits step therapy protocols for advanced, metastatic cancer patients and HB 1114 eliminates out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging.
The exorbitant out-of-pocket costs associated with this critical breast imaging procedures, ranging from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, often force individuals into the difficult decision of making significant financial sacrifices or foregoing their necessary early detection tests. Delays in imaging will result in later stage diagnoses – when the cancer is much deadlier and much more costly to treat.
“Cancer is a serious health challenge, and insurers must treat it with the urgency it deserves. House Bills 1112 and 1114 address two critical barriers to care by improving the affordability of diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, and by ensuring patients with advanced cancer can access the treatments their doctors recommend without fail-first delays,” said Rep. Pryor. “Together, these policies support timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and better outcomes for women and all cancer patients across Indiana.” Step therapy, also referred to as “fail first,” requires a patient to first try a preferred (often generic alternative) drug prior to receiving coverage for the originally prescribed drug. Studies have shown that a just a four-week delay in treatment for metastatic cancer is associated with increased mortality. Patients and physicians should have the opportunity to choose the best treatments and therapies without the burden of overly restrictive cost containment policies.
