WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) today introduced the Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2017 , which builds upon the success seen in oncology pilot programs to provide better treatment outcomes in a more cost-efficient way. Following introduction of this legislation, Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Terri Sewell released the following statements:

“Medical breakthroughs continue to provide hope to millions of Americans, including cancer patients, and advancements in science have made it possible for cancer patients to receive care in their community and closer to home. My legislation updates the Medicare payment process to focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care that puts quality over quantity,” said McMorris Rodgers. “As we continue to search for a cure to cancer, models like this ensure that care is more results-driven and cost-effective for the patient and our nation’s health care system as a whole.”

“As a representative of many rural and underserved communities with a high prevalence of poor health outcomes, I believe we should be laser focused on ensuring all patients have access to high-quality, affordable care and treatment close to home,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am proud to sponsor the bipartisan Cancer Care Payment Reform Act with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as a means of ensuring cancer patients have access to lifesaving cancer treatment in their community, while promoting revolutionary approaches to the delivery and payment for cancer care. Reducing financial barriers to cancer care is critical to eliminate both the human and financial costs associated with cancer for patients, loved ones, physicians, and the entire economy.”

This legislation provides a framework for enhancing the quality of cancer care by establishing a national oncology medical home demonstration project under the Medicare program. This project will require medical practices that volunteer to participate to report on a number of quality metrics and on overall patient satisfaction. These metrics will then be used to compare practices and treatment methods in order to determine what approaches generate the best value and best result for the patient.

NOTE: Rep. McMorris Rodgers also introduced this legislation in 2015.