The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that it has decided to make no change to the clinical trial policy (CTP) national coverage determination (NCD) issued on July 9, 2007, at this time, and is not imposing additional conditions for coverage.

As the Senate continues work on the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor/Health and Human Services/Education Appropriations bill, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has requested $15 million to fund the Patient Navigator, Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act.  The Patient Navigator Act was passed in 2005 and would enable trained professionals to assist patients in their own communities overcome barriers and help ensure patients receive the care they need.  The legislation would also facilitate the involvement of community organizations providing assistance to individuals who are at risk of cancer and other chronic diseases to receive better access to high-quality healthcare services. Senator Harkin serves as Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

Read NPAF's Letter on Patient Navigator Funding

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives on October 10th to accelerate the adoption of health information technology.  The Promotion of Health Information Technology (HIT) Act, H.R. 3800, will help increase efficiency and effectiveness of the country's healthcare system.  Congresswoman Eshoo stated, "We live in the Information Age, but health care, one of the most information-intensive segments of our economy, remains mired in a pen-and-paper past.  This is a disservice to patients and to our healthcare system."  The legislation establishes the National Coordinator for HIT position within the Department of Health and Human Services, authorizes funding for grants to assist with the adoption of HIT, and protects patients and sensitive medical information. 

Read Congresswoman Eshoo's Press Release

As part of its election coverage and analysis, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation launched a tool in mid-October which allows visitors to compare the health care proposals of 2008 Presidential Candidates side-by-side. 

View the Tool