Oral Chemotherapy Coverage

Ironically, oral chemos often cost patients much more $ than infusion/IV chemos because of the way they are reimbursed (or NOT!) by health insurance companies. I was fortunate that my insurance covered Xeloda, but it was more expensive than the IV-based chemos that I have received ($40 copay + $20 Dr visit.... compared to just the $20 visit fee for IV chemo). Many people aren't as fortunate as I am and are faced with tough decisions about oral chemotherapy.   I have met women faced with a choice between spending hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket each month (for Xeloda) vs. passing up a reasonably well-tolerated option that could keep their cancer from growing back.

Several states have recently passed legislation on this issue, requiring insurance companies to reimburse oral chemo comparably to IV chemos.

The NJ state legislature has recently passed a bill on this topic and it is now awaiting Governor Christie's signature... please take a moment to read this. If you live in NJ, please click through to email the Governor... if you live outside of NJ, please research the status of such legislation in your home state.

https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1043