Susan G. Komen® - CA - Oral Parity

CA - Oral Parity - Governor Brown

In 2013, California was the 27th state to pass the oral anti-cancer medication parity law, ensuring anti-cancer medications would be more affordable and accessible for cancer patients. This law is in jeopardy of sunsetting- meaning instead of the $250 maximum out of pocket copay - patients would be required to pay a coinsurance that could cost them thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Please take action below to send a letter to Governor Brown letting him know the importance of signing of Assembly Bill 1860.

Recipients

Your Governor

Message

Please Don't Delay- Sign Assembly Bill 1860 Today!

Dear [Decision Maker],

* Personalize your message

I am writing as your constituent and as someone who cares deeply about our state's commitment to fighting breast cancer.  In 2013, California was the 27th state to pass the oral anti-cancer medication parity law, ensuring anti-cancer medications would be more affordable and accessible for cancer patients.  This law is in jeopardy of sunsetting- meaning patients would be required to pay a coinsurance that could cost them hundreds more out-of-pocket each month.

We understand that the Department of Managed Healthcare (DMHC) would like to see one holistic policy related to out-of-pocket costs, unfortunately, other laws on the books to do not go far enough to financially protect patients.  As you know, California helped to lead the nation in 2013 with the implementation of Assembly Bill 219 (Perea). 
 
Changing the policy now - not supporting Assembly Bill 1860 (Limòn) - would be a dramatic change in the lives of cancer patients.  The difference is moving from $250 per month per prescription to potentially $500 or $1,000 per prescription per month.  That is an astronomical difference in the daily lives of those struggling with their diagnosis.

Included in the bill a sunset date of January 1, 2024, which will allow for additional time to work with plans and others to assess the value to patients and/or the potential harm to health plans.  It will allow for that holistic assessment of all out of pocket expenses, as requested by DMHC.

In addition, we would note that current policy has been working well; Health plans had the chance to use the CPI to increase the amount of the out of pocket cap, and none of them did so. It seems disingenuous for any of them to argue that this policy has been difficult for them financially.  The administration should support AB 1860 to maintain a program that is working well, has not been a burden to insurers, and is helping California's cancer patients.

Patients should not be forced to choose a less appropriate treatment option--or forego drug therapy altogether--simply because a law that was passed in 2013 was allowed to sunset.  Patients and their physicians should be free to make treatment decisions based on what is best for that patient.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]

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