McMorris Rodgers calls for identifying better, more affordable cancer treatments

A national oncology medical home demonstration project would be formed to help identify effective and cost-efficient cancer treatments under a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) last week.

The Cancer Care Payment Reform Act would establish a demonstration project under Medicare that requires medical practices that voluntarily participate to report on various quality and patient satisfaction metrics that could be used to compare practices and treatment methods.

“Medical breakthroughs continue to provide hope to millions of Americans, including cancer patients, and advancements in science have made it possible for cancer patients to receive care in their community and closer to home,” McMorris Rodgers said.

“My legislation updates the Medicare payment process to focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care that puts quality over quantity. As we continue to search for a cure to cancer, models like this ensure that care is more results-driven and cost-effective for the patient and our nation’s health care system as a whole.”

Information taken from the demonstration program would be used to determine which approaches to cancer care generate the best value and the best results for patients.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), who introduced the bill with McMorris Rodgers, said there should be a focus on ensuring all patients have access to high-quality, affordable care and treatment close to their homes.

“I am proud to sponsor the bipartisan Cancer Care Payment Reform Act with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as a means of ensuring cancer patients have access to lifesaving cancer treatment in their community, while promoting revolutionary approaches to the delivery and payment for cancer care,” Sewell said. “Reducing financial barriers to cancer care is critical to eliminate both the human and financial costs associated with cancer for patients, loved ones, physicians and the entire economy.”