August 20, 2002
Health care coalition applauds passage of cancer clinical trials legislation
New law will ensure patients access to high quality, peer reviewed cancer-related clinical trials
A coalition of health care consumers, providers and health plans today applauded Acting Governor Jane Swift for recently signing legislation that requires health plans to cover routine patient care costs of cancer-related clinical studies conducted by Massachusetts providers. The new law, Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2002, becomes effective Jan. 1, 2003.
"My husband was diagnosed with a very deadly cancer. His courage, the wonderful medical care he received and his treatments through clinical trials allowed us a life together for two years and three months," said Carole Seigel, an American Cancer Society volunteer, on her first-hand experience with clinical trials. "Today more patients can consider clinical trials even as their first cancer treatment, which is what we did. Physicians can suggest appropriate clinical trials to their patients without concerns about insurance coverage. There is a lot of science in the laboratories and the only way it can help any of us is through clinical trials."
Chapter 257 was the result of consensus language developed by the American Cancer Society, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, led by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan and Neighborhood Health Plan. The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) and championed by House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran and Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham with the support of the chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care, Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) and Representative Harriet L. Stanley (D-West Newbury).
"Our legislative leaders took a bold step in providing patients with access to cancer-related clinical trials, and we are proud to have played a role in this process," said Marylou Buyse, MD, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans. "Many Massachusetts health plans are already covering services provided to patients in cancer-related clinical trials and the state's health plans have been instrumental in making new technology and treatment regimens more available to patients. Chapter 257 will ensure that all patients have access to cancer clinical trials and is consistent with the focus MAHP member plans place on improving members' health outcomes, care experience and well-being."
According to Edward J. Benz, MD, president of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, clinical trials are essential to the development of new and better therapies. "This law will provide increased access to clinical trials for patients in the Commonwealth, without the burden of extensive costs to either patients or insurance companies. Clinical trials represent an outstanding opportunity for scientific advancements as well as the development of novel treatments for those suffering from cancer," Dr. Benz said.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately four percent of adults with cancer take part in clinical trials each year, and in Massachusetts over 2,500 cancer patients are involved in these studies annually. Nationally, more than 400 cancer medicines were being tested in clinical trials in 2001.
About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
About the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans represents nine health plans covering over 2.2 million Massachusetts residents. It is dedicated to improving health for all in Massachusetts by promoting affordable, safe and coordinated health care.
Media Contacts:
American Cancer Society, Jennifer Mills, (617) 556-7423
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Bill Schaller, (617) 632-5357
MA Association of Health Plans, Eric Linzer, (617) 338-2244
