House health care reform bill released and is available on the COA website.
In a surprise move, the prompt pay solution was eliminated from the final House version.
The House released its merged bill on health care reform. Go to the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) website at www.communityoncology.org under Immediate Action Needed to access the bill.
COA will report back on details of this bill; however, it is shocking and disconcerting that the legislation did not include the prompt pay solution. As you know, the House Energy & Commerce Committee included by unanimous vote the prompt pay solution (H.R. 1392) in its bill. The major cancer organizations, distributors, and others have worked very hard together to provide this solution for artificially low reimbursement based on Average Sales Price (ASP). However, in a last minute development the provision was eliminated from the final House bill.
Especially in light of looming Medicare cuts specific to medical oncology, imaging, and radiation, this development is very serious. As community oncology practices understand, cancer care is in crisis and that crisis is being exacerbated by Medicare payment cuts and health care reform failing to provide solutions.
COA will report as more information is available. In the interim, it is more essential than ever to let your Representatives and Senators know the problems we are facing and how they can help.
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