Anyone ElseTerrified about Repeal of ACA Bill

Lumpie

New Medicare Drug Rule Potential Impact on Cancer Patients

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 By Cancer Support CommunityBackground
The White House recently released the Executive Order on Lowering Drug Prices by Putting America First. This Executive Order (EO) would create demonstration projects across the country through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to test a requirement that Medicare pay the same price for prescription drugs as other countries (with comparable gross domestic product otherwise known an indicator of a country's economic health). This includes all drugs, both Medicare Part B (typically infused in a physician's office such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy) and Part D (prescriptions typically sold at the pharmacy counter like oral medications).CSC strongly supports, and has long advocated for, policies that improve access and affordability for cancer patients. Patients should have the right to determine the most appropriate therapies by engaging in a shared decision-making process with their providers.Process
This EO leaves several unanswered questions. First, there have been public reports that the White House could bypass traditional rulemaking for the Part B portion which would take immediate effect. It remains unclear how or when the related Part D proposal might be issued. Changes that will impact patients deserve to be made transparently and with ample opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in the process and to make their voices heard.Access to Innovation
It is also unclear if this EO will impact the ability of America's cancer patients to access appropriate, innovative therapies. Changes to the nation's largest health insurance program, which covers the majority of cancer patients (those over the age of 65), must be undertaken with caution and with an understanding of the full implications on how it will impact patients in America, as our health care system differs from systems in other countries. Further, changes to reimbursement models must ensure that ongoing innovation is not impacted.Next Steps
CSC looks forward to participating in all opportunities to engage on this issue and will provide updated information to patients and advocates regarding opportunities to learn more and stay involved.https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/blog/new-me...

bcincolorado

Thank you for sharing that. Not everyone is Medicare eligible but good to know.

Still very concerned right now in the meantime until I am keeping the insurance I do have or will hurt us a lot financially between tests and medications.

Just hoping people fight for those of us who need coverage.

Lumpie

bcinColorado: Thanks for your message. I am in the thick of insecurity/instability regarding coverage for care. It is scary. I am spending as much time and energy as I can muster on advocating for improvement to our system. There is a group advocating for single payer by state (One Payer States), in case reform is repealed at the federal level and/or we can't get something passed at the federal level. They are building a database of those willing to be a "concerned constituent" in each legislative district around the US. Understanding that not everyone has the ability or willingness to be submerged in these issues, they can do the heavy lifting if constituents are interested in being an in-district voice. If interested, PM me. Website below if you want to read more. Thanks.

https://onepayerstates.org/

BlueGirlRedState

Lumpie - you are well informed on Cancer and legislation that affects it. It is really good to see your posts. I am trying to track down very disconcerning information I have heard about Health Insurance. In about 2 1/2 years I make the Medicare decision. I have been encouraged to keep the private I have, but maybe reduce from standard to basic. The disconcerning thing I've been told, is that if Medicare does not cover something, neither will private, even if they cover it now. So why keep private? Lymphedema is the issue ( and yes I did contact my representatives about lymphedema and Medicare - they do not care). I find it hard to get good information when I contact my Health Insurance.

flashlight

Hi BlueGirlRedState, I have Medicare with a Medigap plan that did pay for me to receive therapy for lymphedema. My supplemental plan states it covers what Medicare covers. Medicare pays 80% and the supplemental covers the remaining 20%. Medicare doesn't cover much else for lymphedema. My MIL had a private insurance coverage benefit from retiring and that payed for much more than her Medicare Advantage plan. It wasn't connected to her Medicare plan. It is all very confusing and everything might change in a couple of years. I pay for Medicare, Medigap, Drug plan, dental and vision. With each plan there are deductibles and co-pays, unless you get a premium plan, which is costly. You have to consider that as well. Also, there are labs/test you can only have once a year. Bone density is every 2 years. A lot of the bone building drugs are not covered. My husband has a different plan and his monthly payment is lower, but his deductible and co-pays are higher.

Lumpie

KFF Health Tracking Poll: The Public's Views on the ACA

Published: Sep 10, 2020

The public has remained deeply divided on the health reform law since it was passed in March 2010. Click below to examine how specific groups feel about the law and how those opinions have changed or not changed over time.

We asked: "As you may know, a health reform bill was signed into law in 2010. Given what you know about the health reform law, do you have a generally favorable or generally unfavorable opinion of it?"

https://www.kff.org/interactive/kff-health-trackin...::%252440%252C000-%252489%252C999

{Interesting graphic reporting on public perception of the ACA. Can be parsed by respondent characteristics.}