Policy Comments
The priority legislative and regulatory issues that the Cancer Policy Institute focuses on are driven by policy pillars that are centered around the values, needs, and preferences of individuals impacted by cancer. We work in conjunction with patients, patient advocacy organizations, medical associations, and other stakeholders to advance policies aimed at improving access to, affordability of, and quality of care across the cancer continuum.
Comments to CMS on accessing healthcare and related challenges, understanding provider experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). These comments include challenges and recommendations.
Comments to CMS in regard to protecting patients’ access to care at the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Including Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program beneficiaries.
Letter addressing provisions that are important to informing patients of the expected costs associated with care they are seeking as a part of the No Surprises Act.
Letter urging Congress to urge to enact the PASTEUR Act in an end of year package to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Letter to the Attorney General and DEA detailing short-term actions that can be taken to ensure patients continue to have access to telehealth treatment.
Comments to HHS with recommendations for extent, scope and nature of value assessment methods that discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability; the use of clinical algorithms in health care decision-making; and nondiscrimination requirements and enforcement.
Letter urging CMS to rescind 42 CFR §433.400 and no longer allow states to reduce the amount, duration, and scope of benefits or modify beneficiary cost-sharing while the state receives the enhanced FMAP.
Letter urging CMS to ensure patients receive the full benefit of copay assistance by repealing 42 CFR §156.130(h) and clarifying that insurers must count any assistance paid by or on behalf of a patient toward their annual deductible and out-of-pocket limit in the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters.
Letter highlighting several practices that are clearly discriminatory based on the 1557 proposed rule that unfairly target the most financially vulnerable patients with serious and chronic health conditions. These practices include copay accumulator adjuster programs, copay maximizer programs, and alternative funding models.
Support of the inclusion of S. 1544 / H.R. 3089, the Accelerating Kid's Access to Care Act which would help ensure children on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) who require care from providers located outside of their home states will not face unnecessary delays in accessing time sensitive and essential care.