WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after introducing the Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2015, which will help build a foundation which ensures patients in Eastern Washington and across the country have access to high quality and innovative community-based medical care.

 “Over 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and as a nation we have a responsibility to utilize all that technology and innovation have to offer those who are battling this brave fight. By encouraging patient centered treatment for cancer patients in Eastern Washington and all across the country, this legislation paves the way for better outcomes, increased transparency, and higher quality therapies. I am working to empower patients and providers of cancer care to not only gain access to best practices, but also to be rewarded for positive outcomes. Aligning incentives for patients and providers is good not only for the patient but for all stakeholders in the cancer care community.”

 Rep. Steve Israel, an original co-sponsor of the legislation, said, “As co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, it has been my top priority to advance the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. I am proud to join Rep. McMorris Rogers in introducing this bipartisan, common-sense legislation that rewards innovation in an effort to improve patient care.”

The Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2015 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 practices who 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. This forward looking approach leverages technology and innovation to help patients.  

 The 5-year nationwide demonstration project will be open to any oncology practice billing under Medicare Part B, including both independent and hospital-affiliated community cancer clinics.

 This common sense and innovative legislation is supported by a broad range of stakeholders, including providers, innovators and most important, patients. Supporters include the Patient Access to Community Treatment Coalition, Community Oncology Alliance, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Oncology Nursing Society, KidneyCancer.org, Association of Community Cancer Centers, Caregiver Action Network, Prevent Cancer, The U.S. Oncology Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, AmerisourceBergen, COA Patient Advocacy Network and others.