Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Riga/Rush/Wheatland) joins his colleagues in passing legislation to add orally administered chemotherapy treatment to the list of treatments covered by insurance companies (A.6233-B).

“Every day medical advances happen in our community and country,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “One of these advancements has been the development of an oral chemotherapy treatment. With this treatment, a patient is able to undergo chemotherapy by taking a pill in the comfort of their own home, reducing the burdens on the patient and their family members associated with traveling to and from hospitals.”

Oral chemotherapy is a significant medical advancement. However, due to a classification by insurance companies, many patients cannot reap the benefits of this advance. As this chemotherapy treatment comes in the form of a pill, it is classified as a prescription treatment by insurance companies and is subject to higher co-pays with limited coverage. Most patients must pay out-of-pocket in the highest drug price category leading to the majority of patients paying tens of thousands of dollars or putting it out of reach altogether. This means that many patients have to go to the hospital for the traditional intravenous or injectable form of chemotherapy usually covered under most medical benefits.

“I am proud to sponsor this legislation that will allow more patients to receive this breakthrough treatment,” Bronson continued. “In addition to being able to do the treatment in their own home, the patients don’t suffer from the debilitating side effects of hair loss and nausea. Patients can also sleep through the treatment as the pill is taken at bedtime. Oral chemotherapy treatment will allow so many patients to start living their lives again.”

This amendment to the New York State Insurance Law that corrects the discrepancy in chemotherapy treatment payment passed both the Senate and Assembly and will be sent to the Governor for his signature.