The American Cancer Society Speaks out on IPI

The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has carefully reviewed the proposed International Pricing Index (IPI) model. ACS CAN, representing the interests of 15.5 million cancer patients and survivors, nationwide has found that IPI “could actually make it harder for cancer patients, especially those living in rural areas, to find the right provider to treat their cancer with the right drug.” ACS CAN’s formal comments on IPI are be found here; excerpts from those comments include:

• “there is concern that beneficiaries may not receive their drugs on time and in a manner that ensures the safety of those products.”
• “contracting with multiple vendors would increase the administrative complexity for physicians and hospitals. This complexity may make it more challenging for beneficiaries who encounter problems that would necessitate an appeal.”
• “It is possible that implementation of this Model could result in some physician practices closing and/or further consolidation among existing practices. Such outcomes would be onerous on cancer patients – particularly those living in rural areas – because they would likely have to drive further distances to access their cancer care. Transportation issues already represent a significant barrier for cancer patients.”
• “We are concerned that a vast majority of the drugs that would be subject to the Model are used to treat various types of cancer.”
• “beneficiary cost sharing could be higher under the Model.”

The strength of P+P United is that physicians, patients and their caregivers are standing shoulder to shoulder to let lawmakers know that increasing the complexity of care for patients battling chronic disease is unacceptable. Enactment of IPI must be stopped. Take action; tell your Member of Congress ‘Don’t’ Try IPI.’