Apr 03: Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, commends the passage of legislation that will require individual health insurance plans to cover oral, self-administered anticancer medications on terms no less favorable than the coverage for intravenous (IV), injected, or port-administered therapies. HB 648, sponsored by Rep. Chris Bruce (R – Kuna), will eliminate outdated insurance practices that make it more expensive for patients to access self-administered cancer treatments, even when those treatments are the most appropriate or the only option available. The legislation was passed by Idaho legislature and signed into law by Governor Brad Little.
“I know firsthand how legislation like this will help people,” said Rep. Bruce. “Cancer breaks you physically and emotionally, but HB 648 will ensure IV or oral chemotherapy is more accessible for people in the fight. Working with another cancer survivor like Representative Green is a true bonus.”
Traditionally, IV cancer drugs are covered under a health plan’s medical benefit, often resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients. In contrast, oral and self-administered cancer drugs are typically covered under the pharmacy benefit, with patients often facing high copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. HB 648 will correct this imbalance by requiring parity in how insurers cover and reimburse cancer treatments, regardless of how they are administered.
“For many patients, oral therapies are often not only the best option but the only option, especially those living with metastatic breast cancer,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Unfortunately, the most effective treatments remain out of reach for many patients due to outdated insurance designs. Komen is proud to have supported HB 648, ensuring breast cancer patients can choose the best treatment for them without unneeded barriers.”
In comparison to IV-administered cancer treatments, oral treatments can offer significant advantages because an oral drug can be taken at home, benefiting patients living in medically underserved areas who have trouble and high costs associated with traveling to the doctor. In rural areas of Idaho, access to self-administered anticancer therapies can help patients avoid long travel times to an infusion center. This legislation will remove financial barriers to care, support treatment innovation, and align insurance coverage with how cancer is increasingly treated today.
“As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand how scary and expensive treatment can be. This parity bill for oral chemotherapy ensures patients can access the care they need without the stress of additional costs,” said Representative Brooke Green. “I’m especially proud to work with Representative Bruce, a fellow cancer survivor, as we push to ease the burden on families facing cancer.”
Komen’s Center for Public Policy will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures fair and equitable access to high-quality and affordable breast care for all.
