Government

Legislation seeks to improve cancer treatment options

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 29, 2009

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Sens. Arlen Specter (D, Pa.) and Pat Roberts (R, Kan.) introduced a bill June 11 designed to improve the delivery of cancer care treatment to patients.

The Medicare Prompt Pay Correction Act would amend part of the Social Security Act to revise payments for drugs and biologics under Medicare Part B. It excludes prompt-pay discounts customarily extended to wholesalers from the calculation of the manufacturers' average sales price. The senators said these discounts artificially reduce Medicare Part B drug payment rates to community oncology clinics, thereby endangering patients' access to quality, affordable cancer care in their communities.

"Community care clinics play a critical role in our nation's fight against cancer, especially in rural areas where families do not have access to larger centers," Specter said.

A companion bill has been introduced in the House and has 45 co-sponsors. The legislation is also supported by the Community Oncology Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/06/29/gvbf0629.htm.

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