October 2017: CHIP Remains Stalled in Congress
Delay in Renewing Children's Health Insurance Programs Putting Kids at Risk
Funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired a full month ago, putting the healthcare of 9 million children at risk. CHIP has a proven track record of providing high-quality, cost-effective coverage for children with cancer.
As Congress stalls in deliberating over the future of the bipartisan program, states are left scrambling. Experts have testified in recent Congressional hearings that many states are just weeks away from setting in motion processes to establish waiting lists and send out dis-enrollment notices to families. Once undertaken, these actions will have an immediate effect, creating chaos in program administration and confusion for families.
We urge our nation’s leaders to work together to enact a five-year extension of CHIP funding to ensure treatment and care for children with cancer and survivors -- without further delay. This is an important opportunity for meaningful, bipartisan action for young Americans facing life threatening illness. Take action here to press Congress for immediate action on CHIP renewal.
Open Enrollment in Healthcare Marketplace begins November 1st
The 2018 enrollment period begins on November 1st and will run through December 15th, for coverage that begins January 1st. This open enrollment period applies in the 39 states that utilize the federal marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.
With a politically uncertain healthcare landscape, there's significant consumer confusion about the 2018 marketplace. NPR offers the following clarifications:
- People who qualify for tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies to lower their deductibles and copayments will get them. Plus, "in some cases, plans providing higher levels of coverage may be more affordable than less generous plans."
- At least one insurer will offer marketplace coverage in every sign-up area.
- Those with pre-existing conditions like a cancer diagnosis are still guaranteed coverage and can't be charged more.
- Those without insurance in 2018 will still owe a fine, unless you meet specific exclusion guidelines.
This year's six-week enrollment period is shorter than previous years and in-person help has been reduced, so experts advise shopping sooner rather than later. If you need help navigating your options, free assistance is available: Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit http://localhelp.healthcare.gov
Quick Links: News Round-Up
- Ned Sharpless, MD, was sworn in as the new director of National Cancer Institute (NCI) on October 17th. Dr. Sharpless takes over for acting director Doug Lowy, MD, who will return to his role as deputy director and his work within the NCI Center for Cancer Research. (NCI Press Release)
- A new study finds that one-in-four full-time employed young adult survivors of childhood cancer report a history of "job lock" - or staying at a job in order to keep health insurance. Job lock has implications on survivors' employment trajectory and earnings potential. (JAMA Oncology)
- Researchers have developed a model including genetic variants to predict the risk of subsequent central nervous system tumors in survivors of childhood CNS cancers, a step toward informing surveillance for earlier detection. (Journal of Clinical Oncology)
- The Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) launched Hope Portal, an easy-to-navigate resource guide for childhood cancer families with a robust list of organizations that provide support and assistance.
This Week: Our Signature Event of the Year!
Tickets are still available for our annual cocktail reception and silent auction in New York City, taking place Thursday, November 2nd from 7pm - 9:30pm at the James Burden Mansion.
The reception will feature Gregory Reaman, MD, Associate Director for Pediatric Oncology at the FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence, as our guest speaker. Also at the event, the 2017 Leonard M. Rosen Memorial Research Award will be presented to Aaron Kesselheim, MD, JD, the Director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics and Law and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Click here for our secure ticket purchase form.
