Patient prescription drug records are now being used by insurers to develop health "credit reports."  This new tool allows insurance companies to determine an applicant's risk much quicker than traditional means -- by gathering medical records from doctors.  Privacy and consumer groups have expressed their concern with the new practice.

During a press release Wednesday, July 23, 2008, NPAF expressed support for the National Call to Action for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.  Issued by four Surgeons General in conjunction with the cancer prevention and survivorship community, the Call to Action promotes cancer prevention as well as support for the 1.4 million Americans that are diagnosed with cancer each year.  NPAF stands behind this new plan and applauds the efforts that are being made in order to reach the outlined goals. 

 View Press Release. 

The "Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007", introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH) passed the Senate on July 16th.  NPAF applauds members from both chambers for supporting this important legislation.

The same day President Bush vetoed legislation that would stop a 10.6% cut in reimbursements to Medicare providers, the House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to override his veto.  The House voted 383-41; the Senate 70-26. 

The United States Senate passed a Medicare bill on July 9th that blocks a 10.6% cut to Medicare physician reimbursements through December 31, 2009.  In addition, the legislation provides a 1.1% payment increase to physicians in 2009 and requires practioners to adopt e-prescribing systems by 2011.  The bill passed the Senate with a veto-proof majority, 69-30. 

A new study released today in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Medicare beneficiaries experienced no major changes in access to quality cancer care following passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003.