Power. Progress. Prevention. October 25, 2019

October 25, 2019

Save the Date: Prevent Cancer Advocacy Workshop 2020

The Prevent Cancer Advocacy Workshop will be held on March 25, 2020, at the FHI 360 Conference Center in Washington, DC. 

The Workshop is an annual event that convenes stakeholders to discuss pressing issues that impact cancer prevention and early detection, as well as novel approaches to address these issues through policy and advocacy. It is an open forum that allows participants to immerse themselves in engaging presentations and facilitated conversations, and to build capacity for creative solutions through collaboration with other attendees. 

Stay tuned for additional details!

Congress continues debate on drug pricing

Despite all the activity with the ongoing impeachment inquiry, Congress is still working on options to tackle drug pricing. Both Democrats and Republicans have offered up options, but it has been a contentious battle.

President Trump has presented several proposals, ranging from an international pricing index, which ties prices for certain drugs to those paid in other countries, to regulatory options, like forcing hospitals to disclose drug prices to spur negotiations and lower costs.

Democrats have presented a bill (H.R. 3 – The Lower Drug Costs Now Act), spearheaded by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and leadership in the House Energy and Commerce and the Education and Labor committees, which would allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to negotiate the prices of 250 medicines. Similar to the pricing index proposed by Trump, the prices would be tied to an index based on the average sale price from six countries. Pelosi seeks to funnel the savings from negotiations into research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Critics in the pharmaceutical industry worry that price negotiation could stifle innovation, which could have long-term impacts that are not accounted for in the bill.

The House held a hearing on the bill last week to discuss potential amendments. Steny Hoyer, the House Majority Leader, said there could be a floor vote on the bill as early next week, though this has not yet been scheduled. This is a developing story, and we will keep you posted on any changes as they occur. 

Open enrollment opens next week

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act opens next week! From Friday, November 1, to Sunday, December 15, you can browse and purchase health insurance plans to take effect in 2020.  In order to be covered by January 1, you must enroll by Sunday, December 15.  As you start your holiday shopping, don’t forget to shop for health insurance as well! 

Before applying, ask yourself:

1. What do I need? Plans can be purchased on the exchange and are run by your state or the federal government.  Visit the exchange website to see what information you’ll need before applying.
2. What are my coverage options? You can review plans offered in your state by entering your zip code.

To take charge of your health this year, be sure to register for health insurance, take preventive care measures, and check out the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s tips on staying healthy! 

To stay up to date on this and other issues, join us as a Prevent Cancer Advocate.