Illinois Elected Officials Increase Access To Care For Cancer Patients – Samantha Laturno

Springfield, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Shana Crews “This week, the Illinois Senate passed legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients by making out-of-pocket costs more predictable and expand coverage for biomarker testing. HB1745 will make prescription drug expenses more predictable by

Springfield, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Shana Crews

“This week, the Illinois Senate passed legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients by making out-of-pocket costs more predictable and expand coverage for biomarker testing. HB1745 will make prescription drug expenses more predictable by requiring health insurance carriers to offer more health plans with flat dollar copayments. A patient will no longer have to worry about going to their local pharmacy and being shocked by their monthly prescription costs. Separately, HB1799 will enable more patients to benefit from biomarker testing, an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Dubbed ‘the right treatment, to the right patient, at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes.

“ACS CAN thanks Leader Flowers and Sen. Munoz for their leadership on the biomarker testing legislation, and Rep. Harris and Sen. Harris for their work on the out-of-pocket legislation. ACS CAN looks forward to seeing Gov. Pritzker sign these pieces of legislation soon.”

About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.