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For Immediate
Release
5/14/08
Contact:
Liz Ferry
215-368-1500
Governor Signs Legislation to Create Cancer
Drug Repository
Senator
Wonderling bill to help uninsured cancer patients get access to medication
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell signed legislation (SB 638)
introduced by state Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) to establish a cancer
drug repository in Pennsylvania to help uninsured patients and those in need
gain access to safe, unused cancer medications. Cancer patients who are
uninsured or underinsured could access these medications through a network
of participating pharmacies and medical clinics.
“There are few words more frightening than being told you have cancer.
Worse yet, may be being told you can’t afford the prescription drugs
available to help you beat your cancer. Today, families often spend
thousands of dollars a month for treatment. New drugs are giving hope to
millions of cancer patients by treating the disease in new ways, but many
are expensive. We must find ways to get these life-saving drugs to the
people who need them,” said Senator Wonderling. “I’m pleased that this was
a bipartisan effort, which could not have been possible without the
leadership of Representative Timothy J. Solobay (D-48th), who championed
similar legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” he added.
Many factors drive up the pricing of these drugs, including the high cost
of research and development and complex and expensive manufacturing
processes. Drug companies discovering and manufacturing these amazing drugs
are tirelessly working to get results and get drugs that work to market.
The American Cancer Society has stated that unused cancer medication is a
valuable resource for low-income patients. A growing number of states have
already established successful cancer drug repositories, such as Wisconsin,
Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Under Senator Wonderling’s legislation, a health care facility, health
clinic, hospital, pharmacy or physician’s office could return unused drugs.
Only medications in their original, sealed, and tamper-resistant packaging
can be accepted and dispensed.
Donations also have to be accompanied by a cancer drug repository donor
form that is signed by the donor or that person’s authorized representative.
Medication used for pain, anxiety, and sleep cannot be donated according to
federal law. Additional Information:
Health Care
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