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September 2023 CPAN News Bulletin
Health Insurance Open Enrollment – What Patients Need to Know
Health insurance open enrollment provides patients an opportunity to make changes to or select a new health plan. For people living with cancer, understanding how a health plan covers cancer care is key. On Wednesday, September 13th, Rose Gerber, MS, COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education and Kathy Oubre, Pontchartrain Cancer Center CEO discussed common types of coverage, how to navigate health insurance marketplaces, and what to look for when selecting a health plan. Stream it on @OncologyCOA’s YouTube channel.
ICYMI: The COA Policy and Advocacy Mid-Year Update
With more than half of 2023 behind us, where does cancer policy stand today? Rose Gerber was joined by COA Managing Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Nicolas Ferreyros to discuss the latest cancer policy developments, including COA’s advocacy efforts, legislation to protect patients and practices, upcoming regulatory changes, and more. Stream it on @OncologyCOA’s YouTube channel.
Advocacy Spotlight: Donny Wade, MD, Board Secretary, COA; Oncologist, Virginia Cancer Institute, Richmond, VA
Born and raised in Richmond, Va., Donny Wade, MD, always knew he wanted to give back to the community that shaped him. Becoming a community oncologist in his hometown was the best way to do that for him.
“I love the people, the culture, and the diversity of Richmond,” said Dr. Wade. “It’s incredible to provide cancer care to my neighbors and be so connected to them in their time of need.”
Practicing in an independent community oncology clinic like the Virginia Cancer Institute ensures Dr. Wade can treat his patients as the neighbors, friends, and community members they often are.
His close connection to patients drives his commitment to protecting community cancer care. With insights from his patients and the support of the Community Oncology Alliance, Dr. Wade routinely advocates to state and federal lawmakers to ensure patients continue to have access to the convenient, personal care that community oncology provides.
“No matter what our patients need, community oncology is always there for them,” Dr. Wade said. “Patients and our community know they can count on us, and that’s what makes advocating for them so important.”
- To learn about CPAN advocates and their commitment to protecting locally delivered cancer care, visit CPAN’s Advocates & Their Stories page.
Cancer News You Can Use
New Study Finds Alarming Rise In Cancer Rates Among People Under 50 – CBS News 09/06
According to a new study published in BMJ Oncology, cancer rates worldwide have risen dramatically in people under the age of 50. Researchers examined data from 204 countries between 1990 and 2019. They found that there were more than 3.26 million early-onset cancer cases reported in those countries in 2019, up from 1.82 million in 1990, an increase of 79.1%.
Asians In U.S. Have Highest Exposure To Cancer-Linked ‘Forever Chemicals’ Among All Races – NBC News 08/31
New research reveals that Asian Americans have significantly greater exposure to cancer-linked “forever chemicals” compared to other races. The findings—published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, found Asian Americans’ median level of the harmful substance known as PFAS was 88% higher than that of whites.
After Backlash, Feds Cancel Plan That Risked Limiting Breast Reconstruction Options – KFF Health News 08/23
Federal regulators have abandoned a plan that physicians, patients, and advocacy groups for breast cancer patients feared would limit women’s options for reconstructive surgery. The controversy centered on how doctors are paid for a type of breast reconstruction known as DIEP flap, in which skin, fat, and blood vessels are harvested from a woman’s abdomen to create a new breast.
COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY 101: A Good Idea Gone Bad: The 340B Drug Pricing Program
When hospitals abuse the 340B Drug Pricing Program, patients suffer from high drug costs and restricted access. Learn more about this good idea gone bad.
Resources for Chapters
September is here, which means members of Congress are gearing up for the fall legislative session. CPAN advocacy resources make it easy to stay up to date on the latest challenges, opportunities, and policy developments in cancer care. Visit CPAN’s Education Library for helpful videos, fact sheets, advocacy materials, and more.
