Politics & Government
PA House Bill Seeks Coverage Mandate for Cancer Patients
A bill introduced by Tony DeLuca wants to put cancer patients in clinical trials on even footing with traditional patients.
State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills, is backing a bill that would require health insurance companies to cover costs for cancer patients in clinical trials.
DeLuca said in a press release that insurance companies often consider clinical trials experimental and don't cover costs associated with them. DeLuca's bill would classify doctor's visits, x-rays, tests and hospital stays related to clinical trials as "routine patient care" and mandate insurance coverage.
People who enter clinical trials take on an unfair financial burden, DeLuca said. He also pointed to studies that suggest cancer patients in clinical trials typically outlive those receiving other medical treatment.
"We are making great strides in cancer treatment," DeLuca said. "This legislation is one more tool in our battle against cancer. It just makes sense to enable our constituents to continue treatment that will help save lives."
The legislation, House Bill 508, left the House Insurance Committee with unanimous support earlier today. The bill would have to be brought up by a Republican majority before it could be voted on in the House.
The press release noted 27 states that have similar mandates. But the National Cancer Institute's website says 35 states have adopted such laws.