Latest Developments

2.16.2005

The new Medicare reimbursement schedule has been in effect for just six weeks.  Already we are feeling the effects.  Since this new program was instituted so quickly, Medicare was unprepared to pay on the new codes.  As a result, we are not receiving reimbursement in a timely manner.

1.1.2005

The new Medicare reimbursement schedule has gone into effect.  This system uses an unrealistic reimbursement rate as the basis for reimbursing oncologist for the cost of chemo.  For more details, please click here.

1.30.2004

The Medicare Prescription Drug Bill that was signed into law in December 2003 is now estimated to cost $540 million.  The Community Oncology Alliance is preparing to introduce legislation that corrects the under-funding of chemotherapy in this bill.  We are gearing up for the fight.  Watch this website and your mailbox for more details....

11.19.2003

The Medicare Prescription Drug Bill is a hot topic in Washington, DC.  Currently, it still contains too little money for cancer care.

Please call our Senators Chambliss and Miller and Representatives Lewis, Scott, Majette, and Isakson to let them know what we need:

• ASP (average sales price) + 12% (this price needs to include allowances for storage, delivery, cost of doing business, etc.)

• Increase coverage of administration costs by $550 million

• Tell them that anything less than this will result in the dismantling of cancer care in America--which none of us can afford.

Washington is hearing our message--please keep calling!  Please call the Representatives in their local offices.  Call Senators in their Washington offices.

9.23.2003

Another SEGO delegation participated in the COA Save Cancer Care rally in Washington, DC last week.  Senators and Representatives are continuing to sign letters to the congressional leadership urging them to implement balanced Medicare reform. 

8.21.2003

Yesterday, CMS published the proposed rules for changing Medicare drug reimbursement (including drugs used to treat cancer).  Detailed information is available at the Community Oncology Alliance website.  Click here to read the proposed rules.

8.12.2003

Last week, a front page article in the New York Times ("Cancer Drugs Face Funds Cut in a Bush Plan" 8/6/2003) reported that Thomas Scully, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (which administers Medicare), planned to issue new proposed rules for chemotherapy reimbursement in the next few weeks, regardless of Congressional action on the Medicare bill.  This makes our efforts to educate our government leaders even more time sensitive and urgent.  Four letters to the editor in response to this article have also been published.

The Medicare Reform and Prescription Drug Act is now in conference committee.  Action is not expected until September when Congress returns from August recess.

Senators and Representatives are now in their home districts!  This is an important time to contact them to invite them into our chemotherapy suites to see firsthand how quality community cancer care is provided.  Click here for more information about contacting your Senators and Representatives.

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