Speak Out—ACCC Capitol Hill Day 2019

Each year, in conjunction with the ACCC Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit, ACCC members come to Washington, D.C., for our Capitol Hill Day. Across the board, these members tell us how much they’ve enjoyed this unique opportunity to meet in small groups, or even one-on-one, with their legislators and congressional staffers to talk about challenges—and successes—at their cancer programs or practices. More important, our members say how much they value these in-person meetings because they are empowered to advocate on behalf of their cancer patients, cancer services for their communities, and access to quality cancer care.

This year, participating in ACCC Capitol Hill Day on March 20, 2019, is more important than ever. As ACCC members know, over the past 18 months, this country has seen large shifts in health policy as both the Trump Administration and Congress examine the best way forward for healthcare reform. Oncology as a specialty is not immune to these major changes as we have already seen through the Administration’s drug pricing reform proposals. For example, in October the Trump Administration released a three-pronged proposal to overhaul Medicare Part B and tackle rising drug costs with the expectation that a formal proposed rule would be released in Spring 2019. ACCC has expressed overarching concerns about the impact of this proposal on the entire cancer care delivery infrastructure and, in particular, those programs and practices that see a high percentage of Medicare, Medicare only, and dual-eligible patients. If you missed our webinar on this proposal and potential implications for oncology, ACCC members can access the recording on-demand and the presentation slides here. [Login required.]

Then in November, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule to amend the Medicare Advantage program (Part C) and Prescription Drug Benefit program (Part D). Top-line takeaways from the proposed rule include:

• Proposed reform to Medicare Part D’s “protected” therapeutic classes.
• A new requirement in Medicare Part D to allow for increased transparency between patient and provider with provision of out-of-pocket cost obligations for prescription drugs whenever a prescription is written.
• A continued push to allow for and implement “step therapy” in Medicare Advantage plans for Part B drugs. The proposed rule also states the potential to infuse prior authorizations within this pool as well.
• Proposed implementation of a “statutory requirement” that would prohibit pharmacy gag clauses in Part D.

Access the full proposed rule here. 

In December, ACCC issued a policy statement expressing deep concerns regarding the impact of CMS’ proposed Medicare Advantage and Part D rule on the country’s oncology care delivery infrastructure.

As you can see, healthcare delivery is at a crossroads. The voice of ACCC members must be raised at this critical time to ensure that real-world experiences of cancer care delivery are heard and to protect patients' access to quality care in their home communities.

Participants in ACCC Capitol Hill Day have scheduled face-to-face meetings with congressional offices. In 2018 ACCC members representing 26 states walked the halls of the House and Senate, participating in nearly 100 congressional meetings. They addressed legislative efforts and described the impact new mandates would have on cancer care delivery in their home communities. Due in part to ACCC member advocacy before, during, and after the 2018 ACCC Capitol Hill Day, we were proud to see the Palliative Care & Hospice Education Training Act (PCHETA) (H.R. 1676/S. 693) move to the Senate, signaling a push towards more comprehensive access to palliative care in the years to come.

In January 2019, Congress began a new legislative session with dozens of newly elected legislators with whom ACCC Hill Day advocates can speak. Finding time away from your practice or cancer program to attend is truly a scheduling feat, but know that the stories you share from the frontlines of cancer care make a difference. Legislative action and the policies that shape oncology delivery do not happen in a vacuum. Adding your voice to those of your fellow ACCC members will help leverage the daily challenges and solutions you experience in caring for patients with cancer and their families as a catalyst for positive change.

ACCC makes it easy to participate. Everyone who attends the 2019 ACCC Capitol Hill Day will receive an orientation and hands-on training. You’ll know what to expect and be well prepared for your scheduled visits with your legislators and their staff. For more information, visit the ACCC Capitol Hill Day webpage or email me at bburnett@accc-cancer.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, and advocating together on behalf of all patients with cancer and their families.