LETTER TO ENERGY & COMMERCE IN SUPPORT
OF BALANCED CANCER CARE REFORM
(June 18, 2003)

June 18, 2003

Via Telecopy

The Honorable W.J. Tauzin
United States House of Representatives
2183 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative Tauzin:

The cancer community is united in its opposition to the extreme cuts in payment for cancer care in physician offices, as reflected in the Committee's current proposal. Physicians, nurses, and patients from throughout the country are convinced that these cuts will precipitate disruption in access to care, including layoffs of nurses and closing of satellite offices. Particularly for patients in rural areas with few alternatives, these reductions will be devastating.

We support reform of the current Medicare system for reimbursing cancer care, but that reform must be balanced, adequately increasing payment for services while also reducing payment for drugs. The only vehicle under consideration that represents this balanced reform is that crafted by Representatives Norwood and Capps. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject the Committee proposal and support the Norwood-Capps provision.

Sincerely,

Cancer Leadership Council

American Cancer Society
Association of American Cancer Institutes
Cancer Care, Inc.
Children's Cause, Inc.
Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups
Colorectal Cancer Network
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Lymphoma Research Foundation
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Patient Advocate Foundation
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
North American Brain Tumor Coalition
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Us Too! International - Prostate Cancer Education and Support
The Wellness Community
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

cc: Members of Energy & Commerce Committee

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