FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2010
For more information:
Courtney Law

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY COMMUNICATIONS
STATE CAPITOL

Primavera Bill Bringing Affordable Chemo Choices for Patients Passes Final House Vote

(Denver) – State Representative Dianne Primavera’s (D-Broomfield) House Bill 1202 will require health insurance plans to cover oral chemotherapy treatments when medically necessary, as determined by a patient’s doctor. The bipartisan bill passed a final vote in the House today 53-10, with 2 excused.

According to Colorado oncologists, every year thousands of Coloradans are diagnosed with a type of cancer where oral chemotherapy is the only or best form of treatment. HB 1202 requires health insurance plans that already cover standard intravenous chemotherapy treatments to also cover newer oral chemotherapy treatments in a manner that keeps out-of-pocket costs for patients equitable.

“This bill will give thousands of cancer patients a fighting chance. As a cancer survivor, I understand the peace of mind that comes with knowing all treatment options are available to you,” said Rep. Primavera.

The bill was cosponsored in the House by Rep. Frank McNulty (R-Douglas County) and is sponsored by Lois Tochtrop (D-Arapahoe County) in the Senate.

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About the Colorado General Assembly Majority Party

Thirty-seven Democrats comprise the majority of Colorado’s 65-member House of Representatives. Leadership for the 67th General Assembly includes Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll; Majority Leader Paul Weissmann; Speaker Pro Tempore Buffie McFadyen, Assistant Majority Leader Andy Kerr, Caucus Chair Karen Middleton and Majority Whip Christine Scanlan. Current and past House proceedings can be seen on Comcast Channel 165 or at www.coloradochannel.net. Breaking news, legislator biographies and photos are available at www.coloradohouse.org.