Gov. Nixon signs chemotherapy pill bill into law
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Gov. Nixon signs chemotherapy pill bill into law

Date: March 19, 2014
By: Jeffrey Militzer
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 668

Intro: 
Chemotherapy pills will be cheaper for Missouri cancer patients next year.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Governor Jay Nixon hosted two ceremonial signings of a measure that reduces the cost of oral chemotherapy for Missouri citizens.

Insurance providers have charged more for oral chemotherapy because of the additional benefits compared to other types of chemotherapy.

Oral chemotherapy is more convenient for both doctors and patients because it can be taken at home without supervision.

House Majority Leader John Diehl, Jr. says this law will improve the treatment options for cancer patients.

Actuality:  CHEMO2.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "Anything we can do to try to help make their treatment easier, more effective, is a good thing."

Past legislation has not made it through due to a fear over rising insurance premiums.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.

Intro: 
Missouri cancer patients will have a more affordable option for chemotherapy treatment at home next year.
RunTime:  0:35
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Governor Jay Nixon signed into law a measure that will lower the cost of oral chemotherapy for Missourians.

Under the law cancer patients with medical insurance can not be charged more than 75-dollars for a month supply of oral chemotherapy.

Representative John Diehl, Jr. says this is a way of making more effective cancer treatment available to more people.

Actuality:  CHEMO1.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "First, it allows more targeted treatment. Two, it allows patients to receive treatment in their own home."

Previous attempts to pass this legislation failed over concerns about insurance premium increases.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.