National Policy Resources—Local Advocacy Results

As cancer care professionals who experience the challenges of providing quality cancer care first-hand, WVOS 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!

Federal Advocacy

WVOS Issues Letter of Concern on Drug Pricing Legislation

On February 23, 2022, the West Virginia Oncology Society (WVOS) issued a letter of concern, urging Senator Joe Manchin to withhold his support of any piece of drug pricing legislation unless providers are removed from the middle of drug pricing negotiations between the federal government and drug manufacturers.

WVOS supports the goal of reducing the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. However, WVOS is concerned that the maximum fair price standard proposed for achieving cost savings in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) would negatively impact both cancer care providers who administer drugs covered under Medicare Part B and their patients.
Read Letter

WVOS Joins Coalition Letter Urging Addition of the Cures 2.0 Concept Paper Title IV Provisions in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package

The West Virginia Oncology Society (WVOS) joined in a coalition letter to congressional leadership urging that Congress include the 21st Century Cures 2.0 concept paper, recently released by Representatives Diana DeGette and Fred Upton in upcoming legislation to further address the COVID-19 public health crisis. Specifically the letter urges leadership to include policy to provide Medicaid coverage of the routine care costs of clinical trials participation for patients with life-threatening conditions in every state. This critical protection is championed by Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Gus Bilirakis in the Clinical Treatment Act (H.R. 913).

COVID-19 Clinical Trials Coalition Letter

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

CMS Announces CY 2023 PFS Proposed Rule

On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule, which would significantly expand access to behavioral health services, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), cancer screening, and dental care—particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“Integrated coordinated, whole-person care—which addresses physical health, behavioral health, and social determinants of health—is crucial for people with Medicare, especially those with complex needs,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, deputy administrator at CMS and director of the Center for Medicare. “If finalized, the proposals in this rule will advance equity, lead to better care, support healthier populations, and drive smarter spending of the Medicare dollar.

For more information, read the proposed rule as well as the CMS press release and fact sheet.

Posted 7/8/2022

National Policy Resources—Local Advocacy Results

Federal Advocacy

FROM THE ACCCBUZZ BLOG

Advocacy In the News

CMS Announces CY 2023 PFS Proposed Rule

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