August 3, 2018
12 attorneys general file lawsuit to block new association health plan rule
A group of 12 attorneys general from 11 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block its rule on Association Health Plans (AHPs), claiming it violates the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The rule, released earlier this year, would allow small businesses and self-employed workers to form “associations” and purchase small group health insurance plans. These plans are not subject to the same regulations as other plans sold on the ACA marketplace–most notably, they are not required to provide coverage for essential health benefits or pre-existing conditions. These plans may lower costs for some consumers, but they could be disastrous for those who receive a cancer diagnosis and are left without adequate coverage. Association health plans are likely to attract younger, healthier consumers, which could increase health care premiums in the ACA marketplace. Many of these plans will not cover screening and early detection services.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® has spoken out against the new Association Health plan rule. ACA essential health benefits ensure adequate coverage for cancer patients and provide cancer prevention and early detection services. For additional information about coverage requirements in your state, contact your insurance commissioner.
Louisiana takes novel approach to tackling hepatitis C
Louisiana is discussing a partnership with Gilead Sciences to significantly reduce cases of hepatitis C in the state. In exchange for a fixed cost over a set number of years, Gilead would give Louisiana all of the hepatitis C medications it needs to combat the disease. Initially, Louisiana would receive more drugs upfront than they are paying for. As treatment needs decline, Gilead would profit from the fixed price.
As the future of the ACA remains unclear, states are searching for innovative ways to address health challenges. Louisiana hopes this new approach with Gilead will solve the state’s hepatitis C problem.
Hepatitis C is the cause of half of all liver cancers in the United States. The Prevent Cancer Foundation® fully supports efforts targeted toward eradicating cancer-causing viruses.
For more information on viruses and cancer, please see Think About the Link®.
New study suggests education on prevention can significantly decrease cancer morbidity and mortality
According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer screenings are still not hitting target levels. The study shows one significant barrier to cancer screening is lack of education on cancer prevention.
CDC researcher Ingrid Hall said, “Appropriate screening, diagnosis, timely follow-up and effective treatment could help to make progress toward reducing society’s overall cancer burden and improve health equity in cancer outcomes for all.”
When asked about the study, Robert Smith, vice president for cancer screening at the American Cancer Society (ACS), said confusion over when to seek out cancer screenings are preventing some individuals from receiving appropriate care.
Many types of cancer do not present symptoms until late stages. Routine screenings are essential for detecting cancer in early stages, when successful treatment is more likely. To learn more about recommended screenings, download the Guide to Preventing Cancer to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!®
Recent study shows some women are not receiving appropriate follow-up care
According to a new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, many women who have been treated for non-metastatic breast cancer are not following recommendations for follow-up mammograms and cancer screenings. These care trends vary widely across regions and demographic groups.
Researchers examined the medical records of more than 36,000 women under age 65 who had surgery on one breast between 2010 and 2012. They found almost one third of the women studied did not receive the recommended annual mammography screening for early-stage breast cancer in the years that followed.
The study found an additional one third of the participants received unnecessary image-screening tests for other parts of their bodies, exposing themselves to harmful radiation. Researchers concluded that survivors may overuse these types of screenings when not displaying symptoms due to anxiety over another cancer diagnosis.
Annual mammography screening is important for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer due to increased risk for recurrence. Learn more about appropriate breast cancer follow-up care recommendations.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® believes annual mammography screenings for breast cancer survivors are essential. To learn more about breast cancer prevention and early detection, visit our breast cancer page.
