BREAKING NEWS: President of World's Largest Hematologist Group Blasts House Members for Callous Health Care Vote

Dr. Kenneth Anderson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Kenneth C. Anderson, the renowned physician and researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and president of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the world’s largest professional society of hematologists, had some harsh and sobering words today for members of the House of Representatives who voted in favor of the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628), also known as "Trumpcare."

“Since the early days of health care reform, ASH has remained committed to supporting access to affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans," Anderson said in a statement just released. "We are deeply disappointed that the House today passed a bill that would price the oldest and sickest Americans out of affordable health insurance coverage by waiving requirements for community rating and age rating, scaling back funding for Medicaid — a vital lifeline for many with blood diseases like sickle cell disease and hemophilia — and permitting states to opt out of requiring coverage for essential health benefits."

As the Senate picks up this reform package, ASH, whose members are focused on promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy for blood diseases  --including cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia -- called on lawmakers in the more civil and sane of the two Congressional houses to ensure that the following principles are reflected in the final bill:

* ASH opposes any measures that discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions or that impose lifetime benefit limits.

* ASH urges that protections be included to ensure that consumers understand their coverage options.

* ASH encourages efforts to combat high drug prices by supporting legislation that provides for insurance parity between patient-administered and intravenous chemotherapy, curtails out-of-pocket expenses, and limits the cost of drugs placed into specialty insurance tiers.

* ASH seeks thoughtful consideration in tackling the opioid epidemic while avoiding unintended consequences that unnecessarily punish patients with chronic diseases, such as sickle cell disease and cancer.

* ASH recognizes the importance of coverage for ambulatory, emergency, hospital, and laboratory services in properly and effectively diagnosing and treating patients with hematologic malignancies and chronic hematologic diseases throughout all stages of their care.

* ASH opposes any move that would waive individual states’ compliance with the above protections.”