St. Paul resident Robert Tisdale credits his oral cancer medication for keeping him alive. It’s the only treatment that has stopped the spread of the disease, which began in Tisdale’s kidney before metastasizing to other vital organs.
But the medication is expensive, costing Tisdale and his wife, Roxanne, $300 a month. It’s an added financial burden considering the Tisdales, parents of five, previously paid $25 monthly co-payments for Robert’s IV therapy.
“Are we going to be late on our mortgage or are we going to give the $300 for the oral medication?” Roxanne Tisdale asked the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee Feb. 18.
The committee approved
HF1847, which would require health plans to set equal patient cost-sharing for oral and injected or infused chemotherapy drugs. Sponsored by Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault), the bill was sent to the House Commerce and Labor Committee. A companion,
SF1761, sponsored by Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park), awaits action by the full Senate.
Dr. Thomas Flynn, president of Minnesota Oncology, said about 10 percent of oncology drugs are administered orally. He expects that number to rise to 25 percent by 2013.
“Cancer patients should be able to work with their physicians to determine the best course of treatment for their disease,” Flynn said, “and not be put in a situation where the difference in out-of-pocket cost is such a significant factor that they are forced to choose potentially less effective treatments than would otherwise be available.”
Opponents said the legislation could result in higher premiums and even have the reverse effect of higher co-pays.
“It’s a balancing act,” said Kathryn Kmit, director of policy and government affairs for the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. “The more invisible the cost is to the patient, the more the employer will have to pay. If you pass this bill, you are making the decision to shift more of the cost of health care to the employer.”
Cecilia Retelle, manager of education and health policy for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, said the bill could force employers to choose between laying off employees and cutting health coverage.
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009