CML Patients Under New Healthcare Law

[Rob]

I wanted to pass along something from today's Wall Street Journal. One of the first parts of the new healthcare law that will be implemented will be the enrollment later this year

of patients who are unable to obtain insurance because of medical conditions such as CML. Since CML patients have long been ineligible for individual health insurance coverage this may be an opportunity for those without insurance to obtain coverage..   

"If you're uninsured and have health problems, you may become eligible for a special new federal high-risk insurance pool this year. This is likely to be a good deal, so don't miss out: Watch for more information on hhs.gov and associated sites."

Another provision that may go into effect this year will be the lifting of lifetime maximum caps on insurance benefits under existing policies. Patients who are near their lifetime maximum benefits will benefit greatly from this. 

A provision I have read very little about is also mentioned. It mentions that for Medicare patients will receive some benefit this year and starting January 1 will receive a 50% discount on brand name drugs as part of the legislation that will eliminate the donut hole of the prescription drug plan. I have not seen any details on how exactly it will work for drugs such as Gleevec. .

"In 2011, that group gets a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, and after that the hole will get a little smaller each year, until in 2020 it's effectively zeroed out."

The entire article can be read at

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454004575135942557501242.html

Rob