What Does It Mean for Prevention?
On March 21, 2010, the House of Representatives passed legislation - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) - that will make changes to our country’s health care system.This legislation was signed into law by the President on March 22, 2010.
There are many provisions that will specifically have a positive impact on cancer prevention. Several of them have been long standing policy priorities for the Foundation and our advocacy action center members. Cancer prevention victories include:
- The legislation directs the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and implement a national education campaign about the threat breast cancer poses to young adult women.
- The bill also creates a national education campaign for healthcare professionals and create materials to help patients address long-term effects and challenges associated with breast cancer. These provisions were taken from the EARLY Act, legislation supported by the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
- The bill requires health insurance plans, including those offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, to provide coverage for routine costs associated with participation in clinical trials. Improving access to clinical trials through improved coverage has also been a long-term priority for the Foundation.
- Prevention care will be available to Medicare beneficiaries without co-payments or deductibles beginning in 2010. Removing co-payments and deductibles will serve as an incentive for older Americans to seek preventive services available through the Medicare program.
- The bill mandates calorie labeling on chain restaurant menus, menu boards, and drive-through displays, as well as on vending machines. Calorie labeling laws will help individuals make more informed dietary choices.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation applauds the cancer preventative care provisions in the, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590).
We encourage you to use all available prevention tools to take control of your own health and reduce your risk of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.