The coronavirus pandemic is impacting all Californians, in many different ways. But recent research shows cancer patients, in particular, are facing some unique challenges. A study out of China shows cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 because they have higher death rates and greater risk of infection while in the hospital. The American Cancer Society also released a study of 1,200 cancer patients. Half of the respondents said the COVID-19 outbreak has caused a change or disruption in their treatment.“A lot of them have lost their jobs, and with their jobs goes health insurance,” American Cancer Society’s Chief Dr. Len Lichtenfeld said. “So now many, many patients with cancer, especially those who don’t earn a lot of money, maybe $30,000 a year, they’re concerned if they’re even going to be able to afford to continue to get cancer care.”The Cancer Action Network, which is the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society, is fighting for Congress to adopt a set of patient protections in their next stimulus package. There are three key protections the CAN is fighting for:1) The Drug Parity Act: This would ensure that oral chemotherapy, which can be taken at home, is covered by insurance just like IV therapy is.2) Cuts to Medicaid (known in California as MediCal) have been proposed. The CAN is asking for an emergency funding increase of 6% as a safety net for lower-income cancer patients. 3) Health and Human Services is being asked to initiate a special enrollment period to increase access to affordable and quality health insurance. The American Cancer Society is asking for patients, survivors, caregivers and health care providers to help them gather information to inform their efforts on Capitol Hill by taking part in their second Survivor Views survey. It can be found online here and is open until Thursday. A good resource for cancer patients in the American Cancer Society hotline. If cancer patients, survivors or their loved ones are feeling anxious during this crisis, they can call 800-227-2345 and speak with a real person who can provide information and resources to help.
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting all Californians, in many different ways. But recent research shows cancer patients, in particular, are facing some unique challenges.
A study out of China shows cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 because they have higher death rates and greater risk of infection while in the hospital.
The American Cancer Society also released a study of 1,200 cancer patients. Half of the respondents said the COVID-19 outbreak has caused a change or disruption in their treatment.
“A lot of them have lost their jobs, and with their jobs goes health insurance,” American Cancer Society’s Chief Dr. Len Lichtenfeld said. “So now many, many patients with cancer, especially those who don’t earn a lot of money, maybe $30,000 a year, they’re concerned if they’re even going to be able to afford to continue to get cancer care.”
The Cancer Action Network, which is the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society, is fighting for Congress to adopt a set of patient protections in their next stimulus package.
There are three key protections the CAN is fighting for:
1) The Drug Parity Act: This would ensure that oral chemotherapy, which can be taken at home, is covered by insurance just like IV therapy is.
2) Cuts to Medicaid (known in California as MediCal) have been proposed. The CAN is asking for an emergency funding increase of 6% as a safety net for lower-income cancer patients.
3) Health and Human Services is being asked to initiate a special enrollment period to increase access to affordable and quality health insurance.
The American Cancer Society is asking for patients, survivors, caregivers and health care providers to help them gather information to inform their efforts on Capitol Hill by taking part in their second Survivor Views survey. It can be found online here and is open until Thursday.
A good resource for cancer patients in the American Cancer Society hotline. If cancer patients, survivors or their loved ones are feeling anxious during this crisis, they can call 800-227-2345 and speak with a real person who can provide information and resources to help.
