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Coronavirus and Cancer Resources for Survivors
Cancer survivors have expressed concerns and questions about COVID-19, the coronavirus, and how they may be at higher risk due to their cancer history. Here are some resources about COVID-19 generally, and its impact for cancer survivors specifically. NCCS is seeking answers from public health experts on the coronavirus and its impact on cancer patients and survivors. Please leave a comment [...]
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NCCS Statement on ACA Lawsuit Ruling Issued by Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) notes that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Texas v. United States, a case challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a 2-1 opinion, the Fifth Circuit upheld the decision of the District Court for the Northern District of Texas that found the ACA individual mandate unconstitutional. However, the appellate court remanded the case to the District Court for additional [...]
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NCCS Submits Comments to CMS on Oncology Care First Model
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) submitted comments in response to an Informal Request for Information on the proposed Oncology Care First Model. This model was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The comments focus on concerns regarding adequate resources in the model to support high quality cancer care. The letter also identifies shortcomings in the model that could influence [...]
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Health Care Roundup: Drug Pricing, “Surprise Billing” Bills Advance; “Rebuilding” After Diagnosis; Study on Depression in Lung Cancer Patients; More
House Members Solicit Public Input on "Cures 2.0" Bill – Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) released a request for public input on a potential new bill they are calling “Cures 2.0” which would build on the 21st Century Cures Act. The duo says this legislation would focus on improving patients' access to digital health products and new medical therapies. The bill would speed up insurance coverage by Medicare, Medicaid, [...]
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NCCS Joins Coalition of Organizations Urging Congress to Extend the Medical Expense Deduction Permanently
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) joined with AARP and 47 other organizations in letters to the House and Senate asking Members to co-sponsor the Medical Expense Savings Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would make permanent the 7.5 percent threshold for the medical expense deduction. This deduction provides an important tax relief for many patients which helps offset the high costs of cancer care. [...]
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Remembering Fitzhugh Mullan, MD
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Fitzhugh Mullan, MD, the co-founder and first president of the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship, on November 30, 2019. As a young physician in 1975, Fitz was diagnosed with cancer at a time a cancer diagnosis was commonly a death sentence, often kept secret from friends, family, and coworkers. Always an activist for the rights of the disadvantaged, ten years after his own cancer experience, [...]