Senate Unanimously Approves Bill On Oral Chemotherapy Parity

The Missouri Senate gave first round approval this week to SB 668, which establishes equal out of pocket costs for covered oral and intravenously administered chemotherapy medications. The bill is sponsored by Senator Ryan Silvey (R-N .Kansas City). It appears that a deal has been reached between the proponents (which includes pharmaceutical companies and anti-cancer organizations) and the insurance industry that should create the momentum necessary to send this bill to Governor Nixon’s desk. The bill was adopted by the Senate by a vote of 33-0. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.