Cancer doesn't discriminate.
The disease afflicts male and female, young and old, rich and poor. And it certainly doesn't matter whether you're Democrat or Republican.
That's why we're pleased a bill to help cancer patients was signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon after winning overwhelming approval in the Republican-dominated Legislature. Senate passage was unanimous, and House approval came on a 147-6 vote.
The measure is designed to create greater parity between the costs of oral and intravenous chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients.
Oral chemotherapy pills may have fewer side effects, according to sponsoring Rep. Sheila Solon, R-Blue Springs, which allows patients to remain more engaged with their families and employment.
But the cost of the pills has been prohibitive for some patients. The American Cancer Society estimates Missourians pay an average cost between $2,000-$5,000 for a monthly supply of pills.
The new law, effective in January, will cap the costs at $75 for a 30-day supply of the pills.
"For some people, the cost has not even been in the realm of possibility and the $75 a month cap now makes it an option," said Stacy Reliford, government relations director for the society.
The price discrepancy arose because insurance companies consider oral chemotherapy a pharmacy benefit, which may require higher payments by patients. Intravenous medication, however, is characterized as a medical treatment that may be eligible for lower co-pays among patients.
Similar legislation has faltered in past sessions, based on fears it might raise insurance premiums. The bill gained traction this session, after an analysis last year projected premiums could rise by an average of 57 cents per month for insurance plans that cost an average of $350 monthly.
In a statement accompanying the bill signing, the governor said: "No Missourian battling cancer should have to break the bank in order to get the medicine they need."
We concur.