The following charts contain information about federal advocacy successes.
Federal Policy and Legislative Advocacy – Current Issues
This chart includes policy and legislative opportunities at the federal level.
| Year Introduced | Issue | Type (Letter, Regulation Comments, Legislation) | Bill Number & Title | Description | Position Statements & Coalition and Triage Cancer Letter of Support | Status | Advocacy Opportunity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Medicaid Expansion | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/31/text | H.R.31 COVER Now Act - Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act | Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-in-Support-of-H.R.31-COVER-Now-Act.pdf | Introduced by Representative Doggett (D-TX) 1/9/2023; referred to subcommittee on Health in the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Proposed Rule | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/28/2022-25901/solicitation-of-proposals-for-new-and-modified-safe-harbors-and-special-fraud-alerts | 87 FR 72953 Solicitation of Proposals for New and Modified Safe Harbors and Special Fraud | Proposes that HHS create a safe harbor to allow for assistance for non-medical expenses to be provided to individuals participating in clinical trials to increase diversity of participants. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ACS-CAN_-Proposed-Safe-Harbor_27Jan23Final.pdf | Comment period closed 1/27/2023 | ||
| 2022 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Proposed Rule | https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-and-payment-parameters-2024-proposed-rule | 88 FR 25740 HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2024 Proposed Rule | Proposed rule from CMS fails to address copay accumulatoradjustment policies in this proposed rule. | Suggests additions to proposed rule | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Combined-Group-Letters-NBPP-2024.pdf | Regulations effective June 18, 2023 | ||
| 2022 | Essential Health Benefits | Proposed Rule | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/02/2022-26282/request-for-information-essential-health-benefits | 87 FR 74097 HHS: Request for Information; Essential Health Benefits | In response to a request for information from HHS, Triage Cancer signed on with 49 other organizations to make suggestions on how the rules on Essential Health Benefits can be improved. | Proposed improvements to EBH rules | https://hivhep.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/EHB-Signon-Letter.pdf | Comment period closed on 1/31/2023 | ||
| 2023 | Eliminate Waiting Periods | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/549/text | HR 549 Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act | This legislation would provide immediate access to support and medical care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who already qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and are therefore eligible for Medicare. Under current law, these individuals must wait five months for SSDI and 24 months for Medicare benefits to take effect. This bill would waive both waiting periods, helping individuals with late-stage cancer get the benefits they are eligible to receive. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TC-Letter-of-Support-for-H.R.-549-Metastatic-Breast-Cancer-Access-to-Care-Act.pdf | Introduced by Representative Garbarino (R-NY) 1/26/2023; Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means | Contact your elected official to ask them to support this legislation through the Komen Advocacy Action Center | https://p2a.co/8m0MuUx |
| 2023 | Eliminate Waiting Periods | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/663 | S.663 Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act | This legislation would provide immediate access to support and medical care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who already qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and are therefore eligible for Medicare. Under current law, these individuals must wait five months for SSDI and 24 months for Medicare benefits to take effect. This bill would waive both waiting periods, helping individuals with late-stage cancer get the benefits they are eligible to receive. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TC-Letter-of-Support-for-S.-663-Metastatic-Breast-Cancer-Access-to-Care-Act.pdf | Introduced by Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) 3/6/2023; referred to the Committee on Finance | Contact your elected official to ask them to support this legislation through the Komen Advocacy Action Center | https://p2a.co/8m0MuUx |
| 2022 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Federal Court Case | https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/hiv-and-hepatitis-policy-institute-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-health-and-human-services-et-al/ | DC District Court: No. 1:22-cv-2604: HIV and Hepatitis Policy Institute, et al. v. HHS | The Plaintiffs ask the court to tell HHS that they were wrong when they approved the use of copay accumulator programs and that the rule permitting them be stopped. | Support the Plaintiffs | https://hivhep.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Aimed-Alliance-amicus-brief.pdf | Filed 8/30/2022; HHS filed Motion to Dismiss 10/28/2022; Plaintiff responded 11/14/2022; Complaint Amended 11/18/2022; Plaintiffs filed Motion for Summary Judgment 2/2/2023; HHS filed a Cross Motion for Summary Judgment 3/16/2023; Plaintiff filed Reply in Support Motion for Summary Judgment and Opposition to Cross Motion 5/1/2023; Defendants have until 7/7/2023 to respond | ||
| 2023 | Curb Junk Plans | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/711 | H.R. 711 Throw Away Junk Plans Act | To eliminate the exemption for junk plans from the ACA’s consumer protections | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TC-Letter-of-Support-H.R.-711.pdf | Introduced 2/3/2023 by Representative Castor (D-Fl); Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/830 | H.R. 830 Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act (HELP Copays Act) | To prohibit the use of copay accumulator programs | Support | https://allcopayscount.org/resources/all-copays-count-coalition-supports-the-reintroduction-of-the-help-copays-act-h-r-830/ | Introduced 2/6/2023 by Representative Carter (R-GA); Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Housing | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/773 | H.R. 773 The Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act of 2023 | The Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act would authorize a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help state and local governments, tribal entities, public housing agencies, and Continuums of Care better coordinate services for behavioral health, including substance use disorder, and homelessness. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-HR-773.pdf | Introduced by Representative Dean (D-PA); Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. | Ask your elected officials to co-sponsor this bill using Action Network's advocacy letter. | https://actionnetwork.org/letters/co-sponsor-the-vital-act?source=direct_link& |
| 2023 | Funding | Budget FY 2024 | Ask Congress to include funding for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act ($30M) the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative ($50M) | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-for-Funding-of-Childhood-Cancer-FY-24-Senate.pdf | Contact your legislators to ask them to support funding for these two initiatives. | https://advocacy.lls.org/a/227-appropriations-1?emci=e51f0e0f-61b8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=eb1f0e0f-61b8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=74169 | |||
| 2023 | Insurance Coverage | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/485 | H.R. 485 The Protecting Healthcare for All Patients Act | This bill will protect vulnerable Americans by banning the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) in all federal programs. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-0307-H.R.-485-QALY-Ban-Bill-Sign-on-Letter-FINAL.pdf | Introduced by Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA); referred to Ways and Means; referred to subcommittee on Health; Committee Meetings held 2/1, 3/8, and 3/23/2023; Reported (Amended) by Committee on Energy and Commerce; Discharged by Ways and Means 5/17/2023; Placed on Union Calendar, Calendar No. 45 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Medicare | Letter | Group request to CMS to solicit patient input and feedback when implementing rules and regulations related to the Inflation Reduction Act's changes to Medicare. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Group-letters-to-CMS-re-IRA-implementation-3.pdf | |||||
| 2023 | Insurance Coverage | Letter | Group request to CMS to reverse the decision to eliminate S code covering DIEP flap surgery | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-Letters-DIEP-Flap-Surgery.pdf | Community Breast Reconstruction Alliance | https://cbralliance.org/ | |||
| 2023 | Insurance Coverage | Comments | https://www.cms.gov/files/document/hcpcs-public-meeting-agenda-non-drug-and-non-biological-items-and-services-june-1-2023-updated-05/09.pdf | Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) First Biannual 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Public Meeting Agenda | CMS to revisit the decision to remove S codes for FLAP reconstructive surgeries from the HCPCS. | Support keeping the S codes | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Comments-on-HCP210813XRPKE.pdf | Meeting held June 1, 2023 | ||
| 2023 | Funding | Budget FY 2024 | https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/budget_fy2024.pdf | Budget of the Federal Government for FY 2024 | For fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Ad Hoc Group recommends at least $50.924 billion for NIH’s foundational work, a $3.465 billion increase over the comparable FY 2023 program level, which would allow NIH’s base budget to keep pace with the biomedical research and development price index (BRDPI) and allow meaningful growth of nearly 5%. | Support | https://www.aamc.org/research/adhocgp/FY2024Recommendation.pdf | Budget presented by President Biden March 2024 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this funding request | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Research and development | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1355 | S. 1355 PASTEUR Act | Bill to incentivize innovative drug development targeting the most threatening infections, improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, and ensure domestic availability when needed. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PASTEUR-Stakeholder-Support-letter-combined.pdf | Introduced 4/27/2023 by Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]; Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Research and development | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2940 | H.R. 2940 PASTEUR Act of 2023 | Bill to incentivize innovative drug development targeting the most threatening infections, improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, and ensure domestic availability when needed. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PASTEUR-Stakeholder-Support-letter-combined.pdf | Introduced 4/27/2023 by Rep. Ferguson, A. Drew, IV [R-GA-3]; Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Ways and Means, and the Budget | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Insurance Coverage | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1526 | H.R. 1526 Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act | Bill to modify the Medicare statutes to enable coverage of potentially life-saving genetic counseling, testing, screening and risk-reducing interventions. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RHCA-letter_03.13.2023Final.pdf | Introduced 3/9/2023 by Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]; Referred to Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means; Referred to Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Insurance Coverage | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/765 | S.765 Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act | Bill to modify the Medicare statutes to enable coverage of potentially life-saving genetic counseling, testing, screening and risk-reducing interventions. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RHCA-letter_03.13.2023Final.pdf | Introduced 3/9/2023 Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]; Referred to Committee on Finance | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Disability Insurance | Proposed Regulations | https://www.regulations.gov/document/SSA-2021-0014-0001 | SA-2021-0014-0001 | SSA proposal to stop reducing SSI payments when someone receives food as a gift or donation. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Comments-Submitted-on-Proposed-Regulation.pdf | Announced 2/17/2023; Comment period closed 4/17/2023 | ||
| 2023 | Medicare Coverage | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2407?s=1&r=1 | H.R. 2407 Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act | This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-for-H.R.2407.pdf | Introduced 3/30/2023 by Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]; Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means; Referred to Subcommittee on Health | Sign onto Prevent Cancer's letter of support | https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9xnaI0AerBJtjrfuJ8lgUIVWOl-tKGLw93VlvMN9XU-MtcQ/viewform |
| Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2085/ | S. 2085 Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act | This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types. | Support | https://www.preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-6-22-mced-sign-on-letter.pdf | Introduced 6/21/2023 by Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]; Referred to Committee on Finance | Sign onto Prevent Cancer's letter of support | https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9xnaI0AerBJtjrfuJ8lgUIVWOl-tKGLw93VlvMN9XU-MtcQ/viewform | ||
| 2023 | Housing | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1377 | S. 1377 VITAL Act | The bill would address the housing affordability and accessibility crisis for people with disabilities by increasing the overall funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and encouraging development of accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities. | Support | https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-introduces-bill-to-produce-more-accessible-affordable-housing | Introduced by Senator Casey (D-Pa) 4/27/2023 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/830 | H.R.830 - HELP Copays Act | To prohibit the use of copay accumulator programs | Support | https://allcopayscount.org/resources/all-copays-count-coalition-supports-the-reintroduction-of-the-help-copays-act-h-r-830/ | Introduced by Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] 2/6/2023; Referred to the Subcommittee on Health in the Committee on Energy and Commerce | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1375 | S.1375 HELP Copays Act | To prohibit the use of copay accumulator programs | Support | Introduced by Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS] on 4/27/2023 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ | |
| 2022 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Proposed Rule | https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CMS-2022-0190 | 87 FR 76238 Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Eligible Clinicians, and Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program | Will improve the efficiency of the Prior Authorization processes, reduce delays in care and alleviate the burden associated with prior authorization for Medicare Advantage, some Medicaid programs, and Qualified Health Plans. | Support | Proposed Rule issued 12/13/2022; comment period closed 3/13/2023 | Regulatory Relief Coalition | https://www.regrelief.org/support/ | |
| 2023 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/652 | S. 652 Safe Step Act | This bill requires a group health plan to establish an exception to medication step-therapy protocol in specified cases. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-S.652-Safe-Step-Act.pdf | Introduced 3/2/2023 by Senator Murkowski (R-AK); Added to S.1339 - Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act by amendment | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Curb Utilization Management Policies | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2630 | H.R. 2630 Safe Step Act | This bill requires a group health plan to establish an exception to medication step-therapy protocol in specified cases. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-H.R.2630-Safe-Step-Act.pdf | Introduced by Rep Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-2) 4/13/2023; Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/762/ | S. 762 HCBS Access Act | The HCBS (Home- and Community-Based Services)Access Act is designed to ensure eligible older adults and people with disabilities have a real choice of care and support options between home care and institutional care. The bill would, over time, eliminate HCBS waiting lists and the need for states to repeatedly apply for HCBS waivers. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-for-S.762.pdf | Introduced by Senator Casey (D-Pa) 3/9/2023 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1493 | H.R. 1493 HCBS Access Act | The HCBS (Home- and Community-Based Services) Access Act is designed to ensure eligible older adults and people with disabilities have a real choice of care and support options between home care and institutional care. The bill would, over time, eliminate HCBS waiting lists and the need for states to repeatedly apply for HCBS waivers. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-for-H.R.1493.pdf | Introduced by Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]; Referred to Commitees on Energy and Commerce, Education and the Workforce, and Oversight and Accountability; Referred to the subcommittee on Health in Energy and Commerce | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Caregiving | Executive Order | https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/04/18/executive-order-on-increasing-access-to-high-quality-care-and-supporting-caregivers/ | Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers | Directives expand access to affordable, high-quality care and assist family members and workers who care for older adults | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Organizational-Sign-On-Letter-to-President-Biden-EO-Family-Caregivers-051823-Final.pdf | Signed by President Biden on 4/18/2023 | ||
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1826 | H.R. 1826 PSA Screening for HIM | This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover preventive prostate cancer screenings that are not already covered under the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for men with a family history of prostate cancer, without imposing any cost-sharing requirement. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FINAL_HR-1826-PCIA-Endorsement-Letter_May-2023.pdf | Introduced 3/28/2023 by Rep. Bucshon, Larry [R-IN-8]; Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1000 | S. 1000 Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA) | This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to be based on a statistical sampling of private sector rates. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Combined-TC-and-Group-Letter-S.1000.pdf | Introduced 3/28/2023 by Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]; referred to the Committee on Finance | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2377 | H.R. 2377 Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA) | This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to be based on a statistical sampling of private sector rates. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TC-Letter-of-Support-for-H.R.2377.pdf | Introduced 3/29/2023 by Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9] referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and Committee on Ways and Means; referred to subcommittee on Health in Energy and Commerce | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/842 | S. 842 Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 | This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. Coverage includes (1) routine dental cleanings and exams, basic and major dental services, emergency dental care, and dentures; (2) routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses; and (3) routine hearing exams, hearing aids, and exams for hearing aids. With respect to such care, the bill establishes special payment rules, limitations, and coinsurance requirements. The bill also increases the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for dental, vision, and hearing services. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-S.842.pdf | Introduced 3/16/2023 by Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA] | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1687 | S. 1687 Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification 2.0 Act or the BENES 2.0 Act | This bill requires Social Security account statements for individuals attaining ages 60 to 65 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, benefit coordination, and related resources.Statements with the required information must be mailed to individuals at least three months before they turn 65; the required information must also be mailed to those who are age 65 or over and are entitled to Social Security benefits three months before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-for-S.1687.pdf | Introduced 5/18/2023 by Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA] | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Research and development | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2369 | H.R. 2369 VALID Act of 2023 | This act would create a regulation specific to vitro clinical tests (IVCTs), separate from the regulatory framework for other medical devices. IVCTs would be subject to a premarket review process, notably including a Technology Certification Program. | Support | Introduced 3/29/2023 by Rep. Bucshon, Larry [R-IN-8]; referred to Commitee on Energy and Commerce, and Committee on Ways and Means; referred to House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ | |
| 2023 | Communication Concerns | Letter | Due to long processing times for SS disability applications at state DDS programs, Federal DDS units are assisting with processing. There is no contact information available for these units, making it difficult for applicants and their representatives to reach them. A group of advocates has requested that SSA share contact informaiton, so that they can communicate with the unit processing applications and reconsideration requests. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-June-2-Letter-to-Chicago-RCD-Federal-DDS-Contacts.pdf | |||||
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3916 | H.R. 3916 The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act | This bill would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2028, helping make screening services more accessible to more people | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-H.R.3916.pdf | Introduced 6/7/2023 by Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]; Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation through the Komen Advocacy Action Center | https://p2a.co/TpFeesO |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1840 | S.1840 The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act | This bill would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2028, helping make screening services more accessible to more people | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-S.1840.pdf | Introduced 6/7/2023 by Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]; referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation through the Komen Advocacy Action Center | https://p2a.co/TpFeesO |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3851 | H.R.3851 Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act | This bill would prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage from imposing cost-sharing requirements with respect to diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. | Support | https://triagecancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Triage-Cancer-Letter-of-Support-H.R.3851.pdf | Introduced 6/6/2023 by Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]; Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4363 | H.R.4363 Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act | The CCSA will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs that cancer survivors and their families experience. | Support | https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3029 | Introduced 6/23/2023 by Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D; Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce,-FL-25] | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2213 | S.2213 Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act | The CCSA will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs that cancer survivors and their families experience. | Support | https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3029 | Introduced 6/22/2023 by Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ |
| 2023 | Access to Care | Legislation | Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (AKACA) | The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (AKACA) would establish a voluntary pathway available only to providers caring for children (under 21) to quickly enroll in other states’ Medicaid programs | Support | Expected to be introduced in July 2023 | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ | ||
| 2023 | Oral Chemo Parity | Legislation | https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2039 | S.2039 Cancer Drug Parity Act | This bill responds to the recent improvements in oral medications for cancer by preventing insurers from charging cancer patients higher copayments for those medications than for chemotherapy medicine delivered intravenously | Support | Introduced 6/15/2023 by Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]; Referred to HELP Committee | Contact your representative to ask them to support this legislation | https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/ | |
| 2023 | Health Insurance Access | Proposed Regulations | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/26/2023-08635/clarifying-eligibility-for-a-qualified-health-plan-through-an-exchange-advance-payments-of-the | 88 FR 25313 Clarifying Eligibility for a Qualified Health Plan Through an Exchange, Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit, Cost-Sharing Reductions, a Basic Health Program, and for Some Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs | Proposal to allow DACA recipients to access health insurance on the Marketplace | Support | Comment period opened 4/23/2023; comment period closed 6/23/2023 | |||
| 2023 | Medical Debt | Letter from Patient Advocacy Groups | https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/advocates-urging-biden-medical-debt-health-costs/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=249132270&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9tkopwbsCqd7coFUapOqU4Oupn-WYJbel4-qON6MRBMa8Xjr-TtI-2nc9H8Ke9oAdpcyiioDzrVhWe094KFPKISJFJMQ&utm_content=249132270&utm_source=hs_email | Groups asked the Biden Administration to do more to help alleviate medical debt | Support | |||||
| 2023 | Access to Care | Proposed Regulations | https://www.fightcancer.org/sites/default/files/acs_can_sign-on_letter_cy2024_medicare_pfs_nprm_09082023_final.pdf | 88 Fed. Reg. 52262 | Groups expressing support to allow for reimbursment of navigation services | Support | Comment period closes 09/11/2023 | Submit comments for file code CMS–1784–P | https://www.regulations.gov/ |