Pharmatech Oncology was in attendance this morning at the Cancer Action Network breakfast hosted by the American Cancer Society (www.acscan.org) at the Denver Athletic Club. The event was touching with various players from survivors to legislatures to the director of the cancer center at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Specific to the efforts of Pharmatech Oncology in creating awareness surrounding involvement of adult cancer patients in clinical trials, a special kudos to Representative Primavera for introducing and helping pass Colorado House Bill 1059. From the ACS CAN website:
“This bill requires that all private health insurance plans regulated by the state, continue to cover the routine patient care costs for policy holders who chose to enroll in a clinical trial. Due to the experimental and investigational nature of drugs and devices tested in clinical trails, insurers can be inconsistent about continuing to provide coverage for the routine care a patient needs while being enrolled in a clinical trial.
This bill does NOT ask that insurers cover the investigational drug or device itself, as this is typically covered by the sponsor of the trial. The bill only requires that insurers continue to provide all services that would be covered under the individual’s policy regardless of their enrollment in the clinical trial.”
This bill made it possible for Judith Stone, breast cancer survivor, to receive coverage from her insurance for a clinical trial that saved her life. It is our hope that this type of legislation can be put into effect across the United States to encourage adult cancer patients to participate in clinical trials.
Please visit www.acscan.org to make a contribution for the advocacy efforts of ACS CAN.
