The catastrophic health, economic, social, and emotional ramifications of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need now, more than ever, to ensure that all Americans have access to quality health care.
That’s why I’m applauding the administration’s recent announcement of its proposed rule that would help to increase payments for CAR-T cancer therapy under Medicare.
Almost 700,000 individuals in my state of Pennsylvania are living with cancer.
For those individuals, cancer won’t wait. CAR-T therapy is one of the most promising and innovative cancer treatments on the market.
But without the proper reimbursements under Medicare, many seniors — especially those living in rural parts of the United States — could lack access to this innovative therapy.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent announcement of provider reimbursement is a positive step forward to help ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to CAR-T therapy, and it demonstrates a continued commitment to effective cancer care in the United States.
No matter their zip code or socioeconomic status, all Americans should be able to access the quality health care they need — including proven treatments on the forefront of cancer care.
– Akiko M. Mitsui, CFA, MBA, of Berwyn, PA is a member of the International Cancer Advocacy Network’s (ICAN) National Board of Advisors and Healthcare Financing Advisory Board. ICAN is a not-for-profit organization that empowers late-stage cancer patients with information to access advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials.
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