We are excited to announce the recent healthcare legislation signed into law by the Governor of Louisiana. These laws are aimed at improving the healthcare landscape in the state and bringing about positive changes for patients. Let's take a closer look at each of these important bills:

• SB98 - Bone Marrow Donation
  Effective Date: July 1, 2024
  
  SB98 focuses on streamlining the bone marrow donation process, making it easier for individuals to become donors and potentially save lives. This legislation provides comprehensive guidelines and regulations to ensure a smooth and efficient process for bone marrow donation within Louisiana through driver license renewals. By enhancing accessibility and simplifying procedures, we hope to encourage more individuals to consider becoming bone marrow donors and contribute to life-saving treatments.
• HB186 - Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients
  Effective Date: January 1, 2024
  
  HB186 addresses an essential aspect of cancer care by emphasizing fertility preservation options for cancer patients. This bill mandates that insurance coverage must include fertility preservation procedures for individuals diagnosed with cancer. By providing access to these procedures, we are empowering cancer patients to make informed decisions about preserving their ability to have children after completing cancer treatments. This legislation recognizes the importance of family planning and aims to support patients in their journey towards parenthood.
• SB110 - The Right to Prompt Coverage
  Effective Date: August 1, 2023
  
  SB110 seeks to protect individuals' rights to prompt coverage from insurance providers. This law establishes clear timelines and guidelines for insurance companies to process claims and provide coverage in a timely manner. By ensuring that individuals receive the necessary medical care without unnecessary delays, we are promoting a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system. This legislation is a significant step towards guaranteeing accessible and timely medical services for all Louisianans.
• SB104 - Expansion of Biomarker Testing
  Effective Date: Signed by Governor Becomes Act No. 324
  
  SB104 proposes the expansion of biomarker testing, a vital diagnostic tool that helps identify diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness by analyzing specific molecules or substances in the body. This legislation, upon the Governor's signature, aims to promote the use of biomarker testing in various medical fields. By harnessing the power of biomarkers, healthcare providers can make more accurate diagnoses and tailor treatment approaches to individual patients, resulting in better health outcomes.
• Biomarker Testing Expansion
  • SB104 Provides for health insurance coverage of genetic testing for diseases and other medical conditions.
• Patient’s Right to Prompt Coverage
  • SB110 Provides for patient's right to prompt coverage.
• Bone Marrow Donation Registry
  • SB98 Provides for adding interest in bone marrow donorship to the list of options offered during application for renewal of a state-issued driver's license.
• Fertility Preservation for Young Cancer Patients
  • HB186 Provides relative to health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services.

We are thrilled about the implementation of these new laws, which reflect our commitment to improving healthcare in Louisiana. They signify a step forward in ensuring patient rights, expanding access to critical procedures, and enhancing medical advancements. We will continue to provide updates and support the implementation of these laws, working towards a healthier and more compassionate healthcare system for all Louisianans.

Please stay tuned to the LOS website for more information and resources related to these new healthcare initiatives.

Action on many of today’s most pressing public policy issues in oncology are happening at the state and local level. Some of this is because of legislative gridlock at the federal level, although much is due to the enduring notion that healthcare—and particularly cancer care—is best regulated locally.

Today, healthcare policy is among the most hotly debated issues in municipalities across the country. With the U.S. having arguably the most complex healthcare infrastructure in the world, it is easy for state-based organizations to become overwhelmed by the issues facing patients in need.

This is especially the case for the 38 state medical oncology societies across the country, which represent the lion’s share of patients with cancer in the U.S. As they are repeatedly called upon to intercede for the providers and patients they represent, these organizations struggle to prioritize and address the policy issues that deserve the most attention.

The Access to Care Policy project builds on the Advocacy Engagement Pilot project to establish a communication and learning infrastructure, focusing on legislative efforts, standards of care, and health equity issues.

For questions about this project, please contact Amanda Impellizzeri, Executive Director, OSS.

If you would like to be part of the policy committee, please email aimpellizzeri@accc-cancer.org.