NPAF News
GENENTECH STATEMENT ON COUNTERFEIT DRUG LABELED AS AVASTIN® (BEVACIZUMAB) IN THE UNITED STATES
GENENTECH STATEMENT ON COUNTERFEIT DRUG LABELED AS AVASTIN® (BEVACIZUMAB) IN THE UNITED STATES
Post date: February 14, 2012
President Obama Releases FY2013 Budget
Yesterday, the President sent to Congress his budget for the 2013 fiscal year. The budget proposed a $3.8 trillion budget for fiscal 2013 that aims to slash the deficit by $4 trillion over 10 years," the Associated Press
Post date: February 14, 2012
Agencies Issue FAQs on Waiting Periods, Automatic Enrollment, Employer Payments
Key Development: IRS and Treasury answer frequently asked questions about automatic enrollment, employer shared responsibility, and waiting periods under PPACA.
Next Steps: Public comments on the FAQs are due April 9.
The Internal Revenue Service in Notice 2012-17, issued Feb. 9, answered frequently asked questions related to automatic enrollment, employer shared responsibility payments, and waiting periods under the 2010 landmark federal health care law.
Post date: February 10, 2012
HHS, Other Agencies Issue Final Rule On Disclosures Required by Health Plans
BNA Snapshot Insurance Regulation
HHS, Other Agencies Issue Final Rule On Disclosures Required by Health Plans
Final Rule on Summary of Benefits and Coverage
Key Requirement: Insurers must disclose key information about plans and provide a glossary of terms.
Effective Date: Requirements are effective for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23.
By Sara Hansard
Post date: February 10, 2012
BNA's Health Care Daily Report
Breaking News
HHS, DOL, Treasury Final Rule Aim to Make Insurance Coverage Understandable
Posted February 9, 2012, 12:50 P.M. ET
A new final rule providing an “easy to understand” summary of benefits and coverage and a uniform glossary of terms used in health insurance coverage was jointly released Feb. 9 by three federal agencies—the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury.
Post date: February 10, 2012
HHS, DOL, Treasury Final Rule Aim to Make Insurance Coverage Understandable
BNA's Health Care Daily Report
HHS, DOL, Treasury Final Rule Aim to Make Insurance Coverage Understandable
Posted February 9, 2012, 12:50 P.M. ET
A new final rule providing an “easy to understand” summary of benefits and coverage and a uniform glossary of terms used in health insurance coverage was jointly released Feb. 9 by three federal agencies—the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury.
Post date: February 10, 2012
CDC: Cancer-Screening Rates Fall Short of Goals
U.S. cancer-screening rates are falling short of the government’s targets.
According to new stats out today from the CDC, not enough people are following the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations for getting regular breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening tests. And the picture looks even worse when you look at specific racial and ethnic groups, namely Asians and Hispanics.
Post date: January 31, 2012
NPAF Signs on to Letter Supporting HB 1273 & SB 450 Increasing Access to Chemotherapy for All Virginia Cancer Patients & Ending Discrimination in Cancer Care Treatment
We believe that every cancer patient should have access to the most appropriate treatments recommended by their physicians and should not suffer from cost discrimination based on the type of therapy provided or the mechanism for the delivery of that therapy.
Post date: January 31, 2012
New GAO Report Says FDA Needs More Power to Address Drug Shortages
What GAO Found
Post date: December 15, 2011
White House Releases President Obama's executive order directing the FDA to take more steps to reduce the shortages of critical drugs.
President Barack Obama is directing the Food and Drug Administration to take steps to reduce drug shortages, action he says will help stop a "slow-rolling problem" that puts patients at risk and raises the potential for price gouging.
Post date: October 31, 2011
Let's Not Shift the War on Cancer to the War on Cancer Care
Let's not shift the war on cancer to the war on cancer care
By Nancy Davenport-Ennis, Founder and CEO of the National Patient Advocate Foundation and the Patient Advocate Foundation - 10/26/11 01:28 PM ET
The recently appointed Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction has to find at least $1.2 trillion in cuts to federal programs before the end of the year. Not an easy task by anyone’s standards. But one proposal on the table – to cut $3 billion in reimbursement to doctors who care for Medicare beneficiaries – is likely to shift the war on cancer to the war on cancer care.
Post date: October 26, 2011
NPAF Comments Provided to HHS on Essential Health Benefits
Rene Cabral-Daniels, Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, at the National Patient Advocate Foundation recently spoke during a Department of Health and Human Services’ Open Comment Session for Consumer Advocates on Essential Health Benefits.
Post date: October 20, 2011
NPAF Sends Letter to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“Super Committee”)
NPAF has been working around the clock to make sure that the newly appointed Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“Super Committee”) does not cut or diminish important Medicare and Medicaid services that can potentially lead to a reduction in services to patients.
Post date: October 11, 2011
Congress Votes Today On Debt Ceiling Deal
After months of deliberations a bipartisan compromise proposal was approved at 1:45 AM this morning to address the upcoming debt-ceiling deadline. The deficit reduction package, scheduled to be voted on today, will reduce the national deficit, raise the debt limit and avoid default.
Post date: August 1, 2011
Better Benefits, Better Health for Young Adults
A year ago, young adults were one of the most vulnerable groups of Americans in the health insurance market. However, since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, many of you can now stay on your parent's family plan until you turn 26. It doesn't matter whether you're married, living with your parents, in school, or financially independent. This is a huge improvement that is freeing people to make decisions about their education, their careers, and their lives without being hemmed in by outdated insurance rules.
Post date: March 25, 2011
Statement by National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) on the One Year Anniversary of Health Care Reform
March 23 marks the one-year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) continues to praise this historic healthcare insurance reform and is working with regulators to ensure the law is implemented in a manner that assures a future of quality healthcare access for more patients. NPAF plans to continue to work with Congressional leaders in the coming years to ensure future healthcare reform legislation considers and addresses the challenges that prevent patients from being able to access the medical care they need.
Post date: March 23, 2011
Breakaway From Cancer® Launches Newly-Enhanced Website Offering Comprehensive, Tailored Support for Cancer Patients
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - (March 3, 2011) - As part of its ongoing mission to serve cancer patients, Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer® initiative announced the launch of its enhanced website that provides cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers a 'one-stop shop' of essential resources spanning cancer prevention, education, patient care, advocacy, and financial support.
Use the Breakaway From Cancer® Resource Navigator
Post date: March 7, 2011
FACT CHECK: Dem Claims on ObamaCare Repeal Don't Ring True
Americans want a step-by-step, common-sense approach to health care reform that lowers costs, not the job-crushing, government takeover of health care that was rammed through Congress last year. And this week, House Republicans will keep their pledge to pass legislation to repeal the law and work on common-sense policies that actually lower costs for families and small businesses, expand access to affordable care, and protect American jobs. But that hasn't stopped Democrats from making claims about the GOP repeal effort that don't pass the straight-face test.
Post date: January 18, 2011
At Risk: Pre-Existing Conditions Could Affect 1 in 2 Americans
New analysis by the Health and Human Services Department reveals pre-existing conditions could affect up to 50% of the non-elderly adults in U.S. The report highlights that up to 129 million Americans could be denied coverage without the rules put in place by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. For full text of the article, click on the link below:
Read Full Story at HealthCare.gov
Post date: January 18, 2011
National Patient Advocate Foundation Praises Extension of TRICARE Coverage to Military Dependants
New Provision Will Mirror Broader Healthcare Reform, Cover Up to 750,000 Young Adults
Post date: January 10, 2011
National Patient Advocate Foundation Launches Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Database
New CER Database Catalogues Ongoing Research Studies Funded with $1.1 Billion Provided by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Post date: January 6, 2011
National Patient Advocate Foundation releases overview of 2011 Policy Agenda
Congressional member and party majority changes resulting from the recent elections indicate that there will be significant focus on existing health reform laws. NPAF's efforts going forward will be to stay its course of abiding by its mission to improve access to healthcare for American health consumers. This nonpartisan mission will serve as an NPAF compass during the upcoming year when partisan politics will become increasingly polarized.
Post date: January 1, 2011
Patients Featured at Town Hall Meetings Across the Country
September 23rd, 2010 was a major day for patients throughout the country as critically important insurance market protections included in the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (ACA) went into effect. On September 27th, U.S. Representatives Dina Titus and Shelley Berkley met with supporters of the health care reform law and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to discuss the benefits and how patients are directly and immediately impacted.
Post date: September 29, 2010
NPAF Sends Letter to Congress on Cancer Care Cuts
National Patient Advocate Foundation delivered a letter to every Member of the House and Senate urging Members to oppose recently proposed oncology-specific cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement. NPAF CEO & Founder, Nancy Davenport-Ennis, stated, "Proposed cuts to cancer care only compound the existing problem of inadequate Medicare physician reimbursement and elevate the concern of the patients we serve about continued access to oncology services."
Post date: September 23, 2010
Patients Benefit from New ACA Provisions
September 23rd, 2010, marks the six month anniversary of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (ACA) becoming law. Several very significant benefits go into effect on September 23rd including:
Post date: September 22, 2010
Uninsured Population in U.S. Reaches 50 Million
Last week the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the number of people without health insurance. The rise in uninsured people to over 50 million is related to the increasing cost of medical care, job loss, employers dropping medical coverage and families choosing to cut coverage to save money. The new healthcare law that will be fully implemented in 2014 will establish health insurance exchanges to allow more Americans access to affordable health coverage.
Post date: September 20, 2010
NPAF Issues Statement on Decision of Some Insurers to Drop Children's Coverage
On October 7th, 2010, National Patient Advocate Foundation issued a statement on the decision of some health insurers to drop children's coverage days before new health care reform rules went into effect. Approximately 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, suffer from a chronic illness, and 20 percent of those are school-aged children.
Post date: September 7, 2010
NPAF Issues Statement on Decision of Some Insurers to Drop Children's Coverage
On October 7th, 2010, National Patient Advocate Foundation issued a statement on the decision of some health insurers to drop children's coverage days before new health care reform rules went into effect. Approximately 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, suffer from a chronic illness, and 20 percent of those are school-aged children.
Post date: September 7, 2010
CMS Announces 2011 Reassignment of Low-Income Subsidy Beneficiaries in PDPs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released information on the 2011 reassignment of low-income subsidy beneficiaries in PDPs. CMS stated they will conduct reassignment in early-October for certain beneficiaries eligible for the Part D low-income subsidy (LIS).
Post date: August 17, 2010
Presidential Proclamation Honoring 75th Anniversary of the Social Security Act
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14th, 1935. Over the past seventy-five years, Social Security has provided an economic safety net that has kept millions of our citizens from indigence in their old age and when they are disabled. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation celebrating this important milestone to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Act.
Read more
Post date: August 13, 2010
More than 750,000 Medicare Beneficiaries Find Relief for Prescription Drug Costs
The Department of Health and Human Services announced on August 10th, 2010, that more than 750,000 Medicare beneficiaries have already received their $250 rebate check to help pay for high drug costs once they've reached the Part D 'donut hole.' HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the $250 rebates will go a long way in preventing seniors from having to make such difficult and almost certainly harmful health decisions.
Read More
Post date: August 11, 2010
Medicare and Medicaid Celebrate 45 Years
On July 30th, 2010, the Medicare and Medicaid programs celebrated their 45th anniversary. These two programs have provided critical access to healthcare services for millions of Americans and will continue to serve as a vital safety net for vulnerable individuals for years to come.
Post date: July 29, 2010
New Regulations on Insurance Appeals Process Released
Patients will find it easier to appeal the denials of health insurance claims under rules issued Thursday by the Administration. The regulations guarantee consumers the right to appeal claims denials -- directly to their insurers and then, if necessary, to external review boards. The new rules for internal appeals apply to group health plans (which includes both insured and self-insured group health insurance coverage) for plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010.
Post date: July 23, 2010
HHS Releases Regulations Requiring New Health Insurance Plans to Provide Free Preventive Care
On July 14th, 2010, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and the Treasury issued new regulations requiring new private health plans to cover evidence-based preventive services and eliminate cost sharing requirements for such services.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: HHS Press Office
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Administration Announces Regulations Requiring New Health Insurance Plans to Provide Free Preventive Care
Post date: July 2, 2010
Update: Medicare Physician Reimbursement
As of June 1st, 2010, physicians treating Medicare patients faced a 21.2 percent reimbursement cut - the result of the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula used to set Medicare reimbursement rates. CMS, expecting Congress to delay the reimbursement cut, has been holding up the processing of claims pending Congressional action.
Post date: June 25, 2010
HHS Issues Regulation on "Grandfathered" Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act
On June 14th the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a new regulation on "grandfathered" health plans under the health care reform law.
Post date: June 14, 2010
Administration Launches HealthCare.Gov
On July 1st, 2010 the Obama Administration launched HealthCare.gov, a new online tool to connect consumers with information and resources to help them access quality, affordable coverage. Please see the White House blog post and HHS press release below for more details, and mark your calendars for a call with senior Administration officials on this new tool, including a demo of the website features.
WHAT: Conference call on HealthCare.gov with senior Administration officials
WHEN: Tuesday July 6, 2010 at 4:30pm ET
Post date: June 2, 2010
CMS Releases New Brochure entitled "Medicare and the New Health Law - What it Means for You"
Starting the last week of May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began mailing copies of a new brochure "Medicare and the New Health Law - What it Means for You" to Medicare beneficiaries. The mailing outlines key provisions of the Affordable Care Act for people with Medicare as well as members of their families. The brochure is available in both English and Spanish.
View "Medicare and the New Health Law - What it Means for You" brochure
Post date: June 1, 2010
Two NPAF Board Members Invited to Serve on MEDCAC
NPAF is pleased to announce that Executive Board Members Pearl Moore, R.N., M.N., F.A.A.N., immediate past CEO of Oncology Nursing Society, and Rene Cabral-Daniels, J.D., M.P.H., an executive at the Council on Foundations, have been invited to serve on The Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC).
Post date: June 1, 2010
CMS Issues Memorandum on 2011 Coverage for Generic Drugs in Coverage Gap
On May 21st, 2010, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued additional guidance on 2011 coverage for generic drugs in the coverage gap. The memorandum addresses questions CMS has received concerning 2011 bid submissions and the new provision regarding coverage for generic drugs in the coverage gap recently enacted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) (PPACA), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) (HCERA).
Post date: May 27, 2010
NPAF Attends Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategies (REMS) Policy Summit
On Friday, May 7, 2010, NPAF attended the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Oncology Summit: Recommendations for REMS Stakeholders. The NCCN Oncology Summit presented the recommendations of the NCCN Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) Work Group. The NCCN Oncology Summit convened attendees from a broad array of organizations to discuss issues surrounding the development and implementation of REMS.
Post date: May 17, 2010
NPAF Praises White House Announcement of Regulation to Help Young Adults Access Healthcare Coverage
NPAF Participated in White House Conference Call Announcing New Coverage Regulation under the "Affordable Care Act"
Post date: May 13, 2010
White House Announces Change to Help Young Adults Get Health Coverage
On Monday afternoon NPAF and PAF staff had an opportunity to participate on a White House conference call announcing extended health care coverage for young adults under the new "Affordable Care Act". Below you will find a link to the official public statement regarding this important coverage. NPAF encourages you to share this information liberally with your patients, friends and family members as it will have an immediate impact on more than 1.2 million Americans!
Key highlights discussed on the call include:
Post date: May 12, 2010
Healthcare Reform and Access to Prescription Medications
In the Patient Data Analysis Report 2009 prepared by the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), PAF reveals that 14.18% of PAF patient cases involve pharmaceutical copayment issues. This lack of access to prescription medications is an issue of immense importance to patients. The new healthcare reform law recently enacted by Congress and signed into law by the President will have a significant impact on this problem.
Post date: May 6, 2010
Patient Advocate Foundation Launches National Underinsured Directory
NPAF's sister organization, Patient Advocate Foundation, recently launched a new online tool aimed to assist underinsured Americans locate valuable resources and seek alternative coverage options or methods for better reimbursement.
If you have health insurance but are struggling to meet your out-of-pocket cost, you are considered underinsured and the National Underinsured Resource Directory may be able to help target resources to help you find the missing pieces surrounding your particular situation.
Post date: May 4, 2010
Former CMS Division Director Joins NPAF as EVP of Regulatory Affairs
NPAF is pleased to announce that Stefan (Steve) Miller, former Director of the Division of Non-Institutional Quality Standards, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has joined National Patient Advocate Foundation as Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs.
Post date: May 4, 2010
Affordable Care Act Implementation: IRS Notice on Health Coverage for Adult Children
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides that health coverage under an employee's children under 27 years of age is now generally tax-free to the employee, effective March 30, 2010. The Internal Revenue Service announced today that these changes immediately allow employers with cafeteria plans, plans that allow employees to choose from a menu of tax-free benefit options and cash or taxable benefits to permit employees to begin making pre-tax contributions to pay for this expanded benefit.
Post date: April 30, 2010
Poll Finds Americans Confused About Health Reform Law
A poll released by the Kaiser Health Tracking Poll in April 2010 found that while 8 in 10 Americans are aware the President has signed health care reform legislation into law, 55 percent say they are confused about the law.
Many of the provisions included in the law are favored by a majority of Americans and receive bipartisan support. The poll did find that the public remains divided on the law overall, with 46 percent viewing it favorable, 40 percent unfavorably and 14 percent undecided.
Post date: April 26, 2010
Anniversary of the First National Minority Cancer Awareness Week
On April 8, 1987, the U. S.
Post date: April 21, 2010
NPAF is a Proud Partner of the Campaign for Better Care
National Patient Advocate Foundation is proud to announce its partnership with an exciting new health care initiative, the Campaign for Better Care. The Campaign officially launched on April 8th, 2010 and its focus is to make sure that health reform is implemented in ways that give people the comprehensive, coordinated health care they need especially older adults and individuals with multiple, chronic conditions, and those who are sickest and most vulnerable.
Post date: April 8, 2010
Clarification on Health Care Reform Impact on TRICARE
The Senate version of the health reform legislation (H.R. 3590) which passed the Senate on Christmas Eve explicitly states that TRICARE for Life is not affected by the requirement that all individuals purchase insurance with at least a minimum quality of coverage. Although TRICARE also meets the individual responsibility requirement, the Senate bill did not specifically mention TRICARE. Consequently, some questioned whether the coverage provided by TRICARE satisfies the requirements in the bill for individuals to purchase insurance.
Post date: March 22, 2010
President Signs Healthcare Reform Legislation
Historic and transformativehealth care reform legislation was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23rd. The House voted 219-212 approving legislation passed by the Senate in December 2009. After approving the Senate bill, the House adopted a package of changes to it by a vote of 220-211.
Post date: March 22, 2010
NPAF Joins Over 200 National Organizations Urging YES on Health Care Reform
The National Patient Advocate Foundation joined more than 200 leading national organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, Consumers Union, Families USA and the Partnership for Prevention calling for a "YES" vote on health care reform because the cost of doing nothing is much to high!
The statement describes that a "YES" vote on health care reform will:
Post date: March 18, 2010
NPAF Sends Letter and Patient Cases to Health Summit Participants
Prior to President Obama's bipartisan health care reform meeting, National Patient Advocate Foundation delivered constituent cases to White House summit participants to urge the elimination of pre-existing conditions, annual/lifetime limits and capping out-of-pocket expenses.
NPAF delivered a message that policy agreement must triumph over partisan politics during the bipartisan health care reform meeting. While NPAF offered sincere thanks to Members of Congress for their tireless work and leadership on health care reform, they acknowledged the work goes on.
Post date: February 26, 2010
Watch the Bipartisan Health Care Reform Summit
President Obama is holding a bipartisan summit on health care reform on February 25th beginning at 10am EST. Live streaming of the meeting can be found at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live
Post date: February 25, 2010
NPAF Co-Hosts Briefing on Oral Chemotherapy Agents
On January 21st, National Patient Advocate Foundation joined with national oncology providers and advocates to brief congressional staff on the value of oral chemotherapeutic agents in cancer care. NPAF advocate Jere Carpentier from San Jose, California described her cancer journey along with other panelists. After being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, Jere was unable to access a prescribed oral chemotherapy drug because her insurer denied coverage and told her she would have to pay for it out-of-pocket which would have cost $2,000 for a 14-day supply, a sum she could not afford.
Post date: January 31, 2010
President Delivers State of the Union Address
On January 27th, President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address to Congress and the American people. The President reaffirmed the need for health insurance reform in order to relieve the burden on middle-class families.
The President stated, "I took on health care because of the stories I've heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on getting coverage; patients who've been denied coverage; families - even those with insurance - who are just one illness away from financial ruin."'
Post date: January 28, 2010
Patient Advocate Foundation, sister organization to NPAF, Featured on NBC Dateline Program
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) patient Richard Crusoe was featured on the NBC Dateline program in late-January 2010. PAF the sister organization to the National Patient Advocate Foundation provides direct patient services to individuals with chronic, life-threatening and debilitating illness facing access to health care issues.
View Dateline Segment
Post date: January 25, 2010
Haiti Relief Efforts
As our Haitian neighbors confront a devastating situation recovering from the earthquake, each of us may want to help in our own special way. The following is an announcement NPAF received today from The White House Press Office announcing specific opportunities that each of us can access to provide help. NPAF invites our visitors to use the information that has been provided as you determine how best to help our neighbors in Haiti.
Information on Haiti Relief Efforts
Post date: January 15, 2010
President Releases Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
On February 1st, President Obama released his budget for fiscal year 2011. The $3.8 trillion budget seeks to freeze most domestic spending but provides small increases for some health-related items and agencies.
Post date: January 10, 2010
NPAF Encouraged by New Senate Health Care Reform Bill Provisions, Urges Additional Protections
NPAF is encouraged by several new provisions included in the Senate manager's amendment to health care reform. NPAF is especially pleased with the following improvements included in the health reform amendment: elimination of preexisting condition coverage exclusions for children under age 19; prohibition of annual dollar limits on coverage; and the requirement of coverage for routine costs associated with clinical trials.
Post date: December 2, 2009
YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED IN THE HEALTH CARE REFORM DEBATE
Learn about NPAF's positions on comprehensive health care reform for all Americans.
