NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rep. Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) is sponsoring SB2091/HB2239, the Cancer Treatment Fairness Act, to ensure that cancer patients are able to get the most medically appropriate treatment, as decided between the physician and patient.
The goal is to eliminate high out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients by leveling the prices of oral anti-cancer medications with traditional treatments.
“As lawmakers, we should do our part to support medical advancements that can save lives in leveling the playing field for patients when it comes to cost,” Johnson said.
“This bill is not an insurance mandate,” Johnson continued. “It doesn’t mandate coverage of oral chemotherapy. The legislation merely says that if a health plan does cover cancer treatment that patients’ out-of-pocket cost should be the same no matter how the treatment is administered.”
Today 40 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation that equalizes the cost of oral anti-cancer medications with traditional treatments for patients.