Ways & Means Chairman Dave Camp Joins Bipartisan Ranks in Support of Bill

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement regarding the announcement of 100 bipartisan cosponsors in support of her bill H.R. 1416 - The Cancer Patients Protection Act of 2013:

"I'm pleased to announce today the 100th co-sponsor of my bill to protect cancer patients from the harmful effects of the misallocated sequestration cuts. In April, these cuts went into effect. Since then, cancer centers across the country have been struggling to provide the necessary treatment to millions of Americans on Medicare who need them. I'm excited about this progress and remain committed to getting this bill passed and eventually signed into law."

This afternoon, Congresswoman Ellmers announced the newest co-sponsors to her bill, including Congressman Dave Camp - Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. H.R. 1416 - The Cancer Patients Protection Act of 2013 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that currently holds the support of over 100 Members of Congress including, 27 Democrats.

The whole point of sequestration is to reduce spending. However, treating people in hospitals is more expensive than providing the same service in the physicians' offices.  In fact, studies show that providing chemotherapy costs Medicare, and taxpayers, $6,500 more per patient in the hospital setting and costs patients $650 more to receive treatment in the hospital versus a clinic. Given that the application of the sequester by CMS is actually costing taxpayers money, instead of saving it, Congress should be doing everything in its power to provide incentives to keep cancer patients in community cancer centers. 

Click here to watch Congresswoman Ellmers discuss her bill with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News Channel.

Click here to watch Congresswoman Ellmers discuss her bill with Chris Hayes on MSNBC.

Click here to watch testimony during last month's hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on health.

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For more information, please visit Congresswoman Ellmers’ website at www.ellmers.house.gov or call (202) 225-4531.

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