Friday, July 7, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Legislation Expanding Coverage for Cancer Patients
ST. LOUIS–Gov. Matt Blunt today signed Senate Bill 567, sponsored by Sen. Pat Dougherty, requiring health insurers to cover primary health care costs for patients involved in approved phase II clinical trials for cancer during a ceremony at the Siteman Cancer Center.
“All Missourians benefit from clinical trials as new treatment options generated by the invaluable research could vastly improve patient health and ultimately save lives,” Blunt said. “This important piece of legislation will help doctors and researchers collect vital information as they fight to cure cancer.”
Under the new law health insurers will be required to cover primary and routine patient care for those involved in phase II clinical trials for cancer treatment. This expands existing statutes that require health insurers to cover primary care for phase III and IV clinical trials. Clinical trials are vital in providing the best possible care for cancer patients and ultimately contribute to finding a cure for cancer. Current practices used to combat cancer would not be possible without patients participating in clinical trials.
Senate Bill 567 also provides an incentive for employees to remain tobacco free by allowing their employers to provide or contract for health insurance at a lower deductible level for employees who do not smoke or use tobacco products. Health insurers will now be able to offer reduced premium rates and lower deductibles to employees who do not use tobacco products. The bill also requires health insurers to charge one co-payment on a prescription if the required single dosage is unavailable and a combination of dosage amounts is needed to fill the prescription.
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