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Washington 1999/10/05 -During discussions with President Clinton today, the American Cancer Society announced its full support for the Norwood-Dingell Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act, H.R. 2723. The bill pending before the U.S. House of Representatives is the last chance this year for managed care reform that adequately provides for the needs of those affected by cancer, said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the Society.
"It's vital Congress move forward with the managed care reform opportunity it has before it right now. People affected by cancer now and in the future deserve to know they have the best chance of surviving this terrible disease," said Seffrin. "That means they must have access to quality care. With nearly 40 percent of Americans expected to face cancer at some point in their lifetimes, it is imperative Congress act now and embrace the Norwood-Dingell bill."
The American Cancer Society supports H.R. 2723 because it offers:
- Direct access to clinical trials
- Increased access to specialists
- Continuity of care
- Timely, strong and enforceable grievance and appeals procedures
Seffrin added, "Congress must now do what all of America is asking it to do: Pass meaningful managed care reform legislation. The House of Representatives has within its grasp the opportunity to do just that.
"With nearly every American affected directly and indirectly by the number-two disease killer in our country, cancer must be stopped in every way it can. The bi-partisan Norwood-Dingell bill is the right option for cancer patients and their families. We ask the House to end the politics and move forward now," said Seffrin.
The House is set to vote on patient protection/managed care reform legislation this week.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.
For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Website at www.cancer.org.
Steve Rosa
American Cancer Society
202-661-5710
srosa@cancer.org
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