The Cancer Drug Parity Act requires employer-sponsored health plans to charge patients the same out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer medications that they take at home as they do for cancer drugs administered by doctors in medical settings like IV infusions or injections. The law applies to all FDA-approved oral anticancer drugs that a treating physician determines are medically necessary or clinically appropriate, and takes effect for insurance plans beginning January 1, 2026. Insurance companies cannot circumvent this requirement by raising costs on injectable drugs, reclassifying benefits, or imposing stricter limitations on oral medications, though they may still require prior authorization and other standard approval processes. Within two years of the law's enactment, the Government Accountability Office must study its impact on patient out-of-pocket expenses and report findings and recommendations to Congress. The legislation aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent cancer patients from accessing oral medication options.
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