National Policy Resources—Local Advocacy Results

As cancer care professionals who experience the challenges of providing quality cancer care first-hand, TACOS members are well positioned to educate decision-makers on how coverage and reimbursement issues affect community oncology. State and federal legislation can have a significant impact on the financial viability of local cancer programs, which is why it's so important that our members make their voices heard.

In an effort to provide resources needed to effectively advocate on the issues that are important to them, our redesigned advocacy webpage features activity from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), national healthcare coverage through the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), local news articles and webinars, and more.

We want to hear from you! If there is a specific piece of legislation you want to know more about, an important resource we're missing, or if you want to get more involved, please contact us!

State Advocacy

Biomarker Testing in Arizona

In 2022, ACS CAN led a successful legislative campaign in Arizona to expand access to biomarker testing. In this recently released video, Governor Ducey, Representative Regina Cobb, Dr. Rachna Shroff, and Holly Hill reflect on the impact this law will have on patients across the state.

Posted 09/22/2022

Arizona Celebrates Huge Victory with the Signing of SB 1270!

Last week marks a major victory for Arizonans with the signing of Senate Bill 1270, which provides common-sense guardrails to ensure transparent, efficient, and fair processes for patients and their providers. Read full one pager.

Posted 07/12/2021

Arizonans for Step Therapy Reform: New Op-Ed Shines Light on Step Therapy's Harm

As conversations with bill sponsors and the Governor's office continue about the timing to bring SB 1270 to the floor of the full House, read this recent opinion piece, which shines light on the impact of step therapy on Arizona families.

Posted 04/29/2021

Arizonans for Step Therapy Reform: An Update on SB 1270

Conversations are continuing with the Governor's office about whether or not SB 1270 must be tied to the state budget. In a recent op-ed, Jasleen Chhatwal, president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, weighs in on how step therapy interferes in doctor-patient relationships. Read it here.

Posted 04/16/2021

Arizonans for Step Therapy Reform: An Update on SB 1270

The Rules Committee has cleared Senate Bill 1270 by Senator Nancy Barto to head to the House floor. Please continue to reach out to House members and engage on social media. For a list of House members and their contact information, click here.

Posted 04/02/2021

Arizonans for Step Therapy Reform: An Update on SB 1270

10-year-old Tucson advocate captures media attention after sharing her story about step therapy's impact on a child with juvenile arthritis. As we wait for the House to vote on Senate Bill 1270: Insurance; Prescription Drugs; Step Therapy, please be sure to follow @OSSatACCC and @AZStepReform on Twitter and thank @NancyBarto for sponsoring this bill, which would ensure patient access to quality and timely treatment.

Posted 03/30/2021

Guest Column: Arizona legislators should support bill to help improve patient care

In light of Senate Bill 1270: Insurance; Prescription Drugs; Step Therapy having been sent from the Senate to the House of Representatives, TACOS Board Member Raju Vaddepally, MD, Yuma Regional Medical Center Cancer Center, published an opinion piece on the importance of this bill in ensuring patient access to quality and timely treatment. Read it here.

Posted 03/08/2021

FROM THE ACCCBUZZ BLOG

An Update on Healthcare Legislation at the State Level
By Christian G. Downs, MHA, JD
March 22, 2023
If you are looking for legislative action, look no further than your state's legislatures. Most—if not all—states have had issues relating to oncology care and healthcare in general come up during their 2023 sessions.
ACCC Announces its 2023 Advocacy Agenda
March 07, 2023
For 2023, ACCC members have identified four core areas of focus (e.g., reimbursement, utilization management, provider-patient choice), among a larger set of issues and concerns, that the association will be supporting this year.
ACCC Recognizes National Caregivers Day: Analyzing a Mental Health Crisis
February 17, 2023
Today is National Caregivers Day, and ACCCBuzz analyzes the current mental health crisis that is affecting the caregivers of loved ones everywhere.

Advocacy In the News

PTAC Votes to Recommend MASON Model

On Dec. 10, 2018, the Physician-focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) voted (7-0, with 1 abstention) to recommend implementation of the Making Accountable Sustainable Oncology Networks (MASON) model. Innovative Oncology Business Solutions (IOBS) submitted the model. Medical oncologist Barbara McAneny, MD, is CEO and CMO for IOBS, and is currently serving as president of the American Medical Association.

MASON based on the earlier oncology medical home model COME HOME, which was developed with grant funding from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

This MedPage Today article explains how the proposed MASON model would work.

Unlike the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Oncology Care Model program, the MASON model excludes drug costs.

PTAC recommendations go to HHS and CMS for “potential” implementation.

Source: MedPage Today
Posted 12/12/18

National Policy Resources—Local Advocacy Results

State Advocacy

FROM THE ACCCBUZZ BLOG

Advocacy In the News

PTAC Votes to Recommend MASON Model

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