Press Releases

Representatives Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) have reintroduced the bipartisan Cancer Drug Parity Act, which will lower costs for cancer patients prescribed oral medications. The bill requires health insurers to cover oral cancer treatments on the same level as traditional intravenous (IV) therapies.

Each year, over two million Americans are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis. For many patients, oral cancer treatments have been a game-changer. They offer a more convenient and less invasive option that can be taken at home, reducing the strain of ongoing medical visits. Despite their effectiveness, oral medications often come with high out-of-pocket costs. One study found that one in eight patients faced a copay of $2,000 or more for their first prescription.

“Every American deserves access to effective cancer treatments available at the most affordable rate, without outdated health insurance plans standing in the way,” said Grothman. “As oral medications become more widely used and popular among cancer patients, it’s critical that health plans don’t force patients to choose between effectiveness and affordability. I am proud to work with both sides of the aisle to expand access, reduce costs, and help improve outcomes for cancer patients nationwide.”

“The Cancer Drug Parity Act is a much-needed step toward aligning insurance coverage with the rapid advancements in cancer treatment,” said Rep. Morelle. “This legislation modernizes policies so patients can access therapies when they need them most. As someone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one to cancer, I understand how crucial it is that patients be able to focus on healing—not navigating the burdens of an unequal insurance system.”

“Cancer patients deserve access to the treatments that offer them the best chance at a full recovery,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Advances in medical technology are improving outcomes and reducing side effects, and patients should be able to benefit from these innovations. This important bill addresses that need, allowing patients to focus on what matters most—getting well.”

“I’ve heard directly from patients and providers in our community about the financial strain caused by outdated insurance policies.” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cancer Caucus, I’m working to fix that. The Cancer Drug Parity Act takes on a broken system that charges cancer patients more for oral medications simply because of how they’re delivered. Our bipartisan bill brings fairness to cancer care, lowers out-of-pocket costs, and ensures access to the full range of modern, life-saving treatments.”

“Oral chemotherapy should be covered just as widely as traditional IV treatments,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Unfortunately, too many patients are forced to pay high costs and unaffordable co-payments because many oral cancer treatments are not covered by health insurance plans. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in leading the bipartisan Cancer Drug Parity Act to end this double standard and expand access to affordable and effective oral cancer treatments.”

“As oral cancer treatments continue to evolve and become more readily available, it’s essential that patients have affordable access to these advancements in care,” said Rep Matsui. “No one battling cancer should be forced to skip treatment due to overwhelming costs. The bipartisan Cancer Drug Parity Act addresses the unequal coverage of oral therapies, empowering patients and healthcare providers to choose the most effective treatment path without financial barriers.”

“Cancer treatment should be guided by what works medically, not by outdated insurance policies. Too often, patients face higher costs simply because their most effective treatment comes in a pill rather than through an IV,” said Danielle Doheny, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the International Myeloma Foundation. “The Cancer Drug Parity Act addresses this unfair disparity by ensuring consistent insurance coverage for all cancer treatments. This legislation will reduce financial burdens and help patients access the care they need without unnecessary barriers. We are proud to support this important step toward more reliable and fair treatment access for every patient.”

“Disparities in out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer treatments can impact patient and physician decision-making and can lead to patients forgoing the best treatment for their disease,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Many patients prefer, when appropriate, chemotherapies that are available in pill form because it is easier to administer and can allow them to have a better quality of life. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would equalize out-of-pocket costs for cancer drugs, whether they’re taken orally or delivered intravenously. We urge Congress to advance this lifesaving, bipartisan legislation.”

Background Information

Despite their benefits, oral cancer treatments often come with higher out-of-pocket costs than traditional IV chemotherapy due to differences in insurance coverage. IV treatments are typically covered under a plan’s medical benefit, while oral drugs fall under the prescription benefit, creating cost disparities.

To address this, 43 states and D.C. have passed “oral parity” laws requiring equal coverage for oral and IV treatments. These laws have helped lower costs, but patients enrolled in federally regulated health plans remain unprotected.

The Cancer Drug Parity Act builds on the success of state-level reforms by ensuring equal

coverage for all cancer patients, regardless of how their treatments are administered.

Specifically, the bill will:

·         Expand oral parity protections to privately insured patients whose health care is regulated at the federal level.

·         Prevent insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV chemotherapy.

·         Implement these requirements for health plans that already cover both oral and IV chemotherapy treatments.

Grothman introduced a similar version of the bill in 2023.

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U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives