As the Voice of Cancer Survivorship in the New England region, NECCS monitors proposed cancer-related legislative and public policy changes and initiatives, promoting and advocating for those that would benefit cancer survivors.
Selected Advocacy Partnerships:
Massachusetts Senate Bill 406 & House Bill 1543: NECCS supports this legislation as it would ensure that individuals have access to proper screening for colorectal cancer which can be successfully treated particularly when detected early.
Massachusetts Senate Bill 1070 & House Bill 1543: NECCS supports this legislation as it would ensure that insurance companies that provide benefits for cancer chemotherapy treatment must also provide coverage for perscribed, orally administered anticancer medications. Lesa Lessard Pearson, NECCS Executive Director, was present and spoke in support of this bill during the meeting of the Joint Committee on Public Health on June 21st, 2011. Click here to view Lesa's testimony. For more information on this bill click here.
Connecticut Public Act No. 10-63: NECCS supports this legislation as its fundamental purpose is that of Massachusetts Senate Bill 2271. Governor Rell of Connecticut signed this in May 2010. Click here to view NECCS' letter of support.
Massachusetts Senate Bill SB1177: NECCS supports this legislation as it would ensure that oncologists would develop treatment summaries and care plans for patients completing active cancer treatment. This bill is sponsored by Senator Steve Tolman. Lesa Lessard Pearson, NECCS Executive Director, was present and spoke in support of this bill during the meeting of the Joint Committee on Public Health on May 10th, 2011. Senator Fargo granted NECCS a private, one-on-one meeting with her. She hadn't realized this issue existed, thanked NECCS for bringing it to her attention and agreed to speak with Senator Tolman. NECCS will be following up with Senator Fargo to ensure that we can count on her support. To read Lesa's testimony click here. To view additional bill information click here.
Massachusetts House Bill 2160: NECCS supports this bill as it would allow for the use and regulation of marijuana by patients approved by physicians and certified by the department of public health. On March 16, 2010 the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health sent this bill concerning medical marijuana legislation 'to study'. This event is sponsored by the the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance. For more information about this event visit masscompassion.org.
Massachusetts House Bill 4320: NECCS supports this legislation as it would provide consumers with access to cost saving discount programs when purchasing perscription medications. On May 21, 2010 this bill was voted on and passed in the House of Representatives. This bill now awaits a review and vote in the Senate. For more information about this legislation visit MassRXHelp.org.
Massachusetts House Bill 944: NECCS supports this legislation as it would prohibit insurance companies from providing financial incentives to doctors to change patient medications. This happens often without regard for what treatment option is best for the patient.