President Signs Genetic Non-Discrimination Act Into Law
Last week, President Bush signed into law H.R. 493, the Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. ASTRO supported this legislation, which prevents
employers and insurers from collecting genetic data about their employees or patients
and from using the information in business decisions such as hiring and firing, insurance enrollment
or setting insurance premiums.
Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act (HR 3162) Passed by House
On August 1 2007, the House passed the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act (HR 3162) by a largely party-line vote of 225 to 204. The bill, which includes important language for radiation oncology and is supported by ASTRO, would expand the children’s health insurance program, avert a 9.9 percent cut in Medicare physician payments scheduled for January 1, 2008, and replace the sustainable growth rate formula with new spending targets covering six physician service areas.
ASTRO achieved a major legislative victory by securing critical committee report language accompanying the CHAMP Act that recognizes the distinction between radiation therapy services and diagnostic medical imaging. According to the committee’s report, “While medical imaging is a component of radiation oncology procedures, these services are not considered to be imaging services." This recommendation would prevent radiation oncology procedures from being included in the spending target group for imaging services;an area that could face significant cuts if the bill is enacted.
During the August recess, staff from the House and Senate, which passed a smaller children’s health insurance expansion without Medicare changes this week, will begin working out the many differences between the two packages informally. When Congress returns after Labor Day, the official conference will begin. Although it is far from certain what provisions will be contained in the final package, vote counts in both the House and Senate have begun, and there is some speculation that Congress may be able to override a presidential veto. The President issued a veto threat on the CHAMP Act, objecting to the bill’s SCHIP expansion, cuts to Medicare Advantage, increased the tobacco tax and other issues.
ASTRO strongly encourages you to capitalize on the opportunity to meet locally with your Senators and Representatives to discuss important healthcare issues, including Medicare payments and funding for cancer research, during the August congressional recess. Please find information below to meet with your Members of Congress at their local offices or at Town Hall meetings during the August recess.
PQRI Information
The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative is underway. To get the latest updates go to ASTRO's PQRI resource center or CMS' PQRI web site.