Thalomid, Revlimid, Pomalyst, MLN9708. Four oral chemotherapy agents we need to help keep us alive. Yet unlike Velcade or Kyprolis, these drugs are treated and billed like they are antibiotics we pay for and pick-up at Walgreens or CVS. The IMF is working hard to get oral chemo drugs like these to be treated like infusion drugs–because they are!
Florida legislators are preparing to consider a bill that would do just that in our state. If you live in Florida, CLICK HERE and it will take you to a simple email form that will be sent to legislators on your and our behalf.
I did it and it took me 3 minutes. Will it really help? Can’t hurt!
Feel good and keep smiling! Pat
March 12th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Hi Pat!
Do you have any more details on what IMF is doing regarding oral chemo for MM? Or are you focusing on insurance re-imbursement for orals vs. IV ?
March 12th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Sorry, I’m not sure I understand the question. Do you mean from a research standpoint or patient costs? I believe most of these proposed laws (several states have passed them) simple shift the Medicare and insurance classification from medications to Part B (in the case of Medicare) and however they categorize hospital administered (usually IV or sub-q) therapies.
March 13th, 2013 at 9:08 am
Done Pat! I expect agreement from at least 2 of the 3 congressman/woman-one actually replied the last time that he was too busy with other bills to support this one. Geeze..who voted for that guy anyway?
Patty
March 13th, 2013 at 9:23 am
The lack of compassion among a number of our legislators never ceases to amaze me! Thanks for taking action!