October 8, 1999 (ACS NewsToday) --- The US House of Representative voted Thursday to pass the Patients’ Bill of Rights, which provides managed care reform for the needs of those affected by cancer and other diseases. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has lent its full support to the Norwood-Dingell Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act, H.R. 2723, which passed by a vote of 275 to 151. Thanks to ACS advocacy efforts at both the grassroots and federal levels, clinical trial coverage was included in all three bills considered by the House and also contributed to successful passage of H.R. 2723.

The American Cancer Society supported H.R. 2723 because it offers:

• Direct access to clinical trials;
• Increased access to specialists;
• Continuity of care; and
• Timely, strong, and enforceable grievance and appeals procedures.

The bill still has a long way to go before it becomes law of the land. Next, members of the Senate and House will meet to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the bill. Once both approve the conference version, it will go to President Clinton to be signed.

“It’s vital that Congress move forward with the managed care reform opportunity.  People affected by cancer now and in the future deserve to know they have the best chance of surviving this terrible disease,” added Dr. Seffrin.