The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) submitted a response to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Request for Information (RFI) on the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). The legislation includes numerous programs, like the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), that aid the U.S. in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.
ASCO in Action provides the latest news and analysis related to critical policy issues affecting the cancer community, updates on the Association for Clinical Oncology’s ongoing advocacy efforts, and opportunities for members and others in the cancer care community to take action.
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March 14, 2023
Strengthen the Strategic National Stockpile to Protect Individuals With Cancer in Future Emergencies
February 14, 2023
Both chambers of the United States Congress are working on a top health care priority for the session—protecting patients from high out-of-pocket drug costs and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that could reduce access and adherence to treatments. The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will monitor the status of these bills and any future bills that address PBM practices and patient out-of-pocket costs, and it will work with Congress to ensure the oncology community is heard throughout the process.
February 8, 2023
“ASCO applauds President Biden’s focus on ‘ending cancer as we know it’ during the State of the Union address. We continue to urge the president to keep cancer care and research as top national priorities and are pleased with his plans to advance efforts to strengthen the Cancer Moonshot, improve cancer clinical trials, and foster breakthroughs through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).”
January 26, 2023
Congress Must Establish Long-Term Medicare Payment Solutions to Preserve Access to High-Quality Care
the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), along with more than 100 other provider organizations, sent a letter to Members of Congress urging them to preserve access to high-quality care for beneficiaries by reforming the Medicare payment system. The letter urges Congress to hold hearings and work with stakeholders, such as ASCO, this year to identify long-term payment solutions.
January 11, 2023
The 118th Congress began January 3, 2023, with a contentious election for Speaker of the House. Due to the multi-day election, members of the House of Representatives were not sworn in until January 7, initiating delays in committee assignments, rules for how the House runs during this session, and the ability of Representatives to do their day-to-day work. All pending legislation expired at the end of 2022 and will need to be reintroduced for the 118th Congress.
January 6, 2023
On December 23, 2022, Congress passed a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus funding bill, which funds all federal agencies through September 30, 2023, and includes several health policies, such as mitigating Medicare physician payment cuts, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reforms, and telehealth expansion. The Association continues to analyze the legislative package and will provide additional details in the coming days.