Weinberg-Gill Measure To Guarantee Insurance Coverage For Oral Cancer Drugs Now Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Nia H. Gill which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage of intravenous or injected cancer drugs received final approval in the General Assembly today and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

“Medical research over the past decade has provided cancer patients with alternatives to the traditional intravenous and injected cancer drugs. New, orally-administered drugs have shown to cause fewer or reduced side effects typically associated with cancer medications,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen), Chairwoman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “It is imperative that we update our laws to stay current with advances in medical research and treatments to ensure that these drugs are covered equally and as affordably as other cancer treatment options to provide relief to cancer patients throughout New Jersey.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Nia H. Gill which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage for intravenous or injected cancer drugs was approved by the Senate yesterday.

“With great advancement in medical research over the past decade, orally-administered cancer drugs, which have fewer side-effects including reduced nausea and hair loss, have become more popular. Compared to intravenous drugs, which must be administered at a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office, orally-administered cancer drugs can be taken from the comfort of a patient’s home,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen), Chairwoman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “There’s simply no reason to have two standards of insurance coverage when people suffering from cancer can get the same medicine with more convenience and fewer harsh side effects.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Nia H. Gill which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage for intravenous or injected cancer drugs was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 10-1.

“Thanks to the research over the past decade, orally-administered cancer drugs have become more popular compared to the alternatives of intravenous and injected cancer drugs. With these great advancements comes ease of side effects including nausea and hair loss as well as ease of access since oral drugs can be taken at home, rather than at a doctor’s office or clinic,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen), Chairwoman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Unfortunately insurance plans have not kept up with modern cancer care and these orally-administered cancer drugs often come at a much higher price for patients. This bill will bring the law current with medical research and development, allow for orally-administered cancer drugs to be covered the same as other cancer treatments, and provide much relief to cancer patients both medically and financially.”

TRENTON – The Senate approved legislation today sponsored by Senator John H. Adler that would govern the use of electric “smart cars” on New Jersey streets.

“As gas prices continue to be a concern, many people are looking to buy and drive more energy efficient vehicles,” said Senator Adler, D-Cherry Hill. “Low-speed electric vehicles, or “smart cars”, are quickly becoming a popular choice for these people.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Nia Gill which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage for intravenous or injected cancer drugs was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee today by a vote of 5-0.

“With the advances in medicine over the last ten years, orally-administered cancer drugs have become a popular alternative to intravenous cancer medications,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen, and the Chairwoman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “These drugs often have the same efficacy as their injected counterparts, but allow patients to spend less time in a doctor’s office or clinic, and the side effects have been reported as less severe. There’s simply no reason to have two standards of coverage when people suffering from cancer can get the same medicine with more convenience and fewer harsh side effects.”