Going to Washington!

[Ruth]

Hi everyone! I have been asked by my Dr.'s office and the organization Community Oncology Alliance to go to Washington DC to lobby for a change in the current presription medicare/medicaid package that is due to change the way Onc. drugs are priced in 2005. At first when I was asked I thought what on earth am I going to say? But now after reading about the changes that are about to take place I am ready for our politicians. If any of you are currently getting support from medicaid or medicare or are being treated in a local Onc. group (not through a hosp.) let me know. This will greatly affect the way your access to drugs will be in the future. This new law will make it extremely difficult for patients that don't have private insurance (and have personal wealth to take up the slack) to get any new cutting edge drugs due to the changes that are scheduled to take place.

I am excited and determined that I will let our senators and congressmen know what they are doing to the have-nots in this country. This administration only looks out for the have's and it is obvious in the way they snuck this in the "great" prescription benefit bill.

Peace, Ruth

[jojo]

So good to hear from you again -- I hadn't heard from you in a good while. So glad you are doing somethiing extremely important!

Sorry I don't carry Medicaid, but I'll be sending you positive energy all the way to Pennsylvania Ave! :-)

[chere farr]

great news! i have been calling senator nell soto's office as well as senator dianne feinstein next senator barbara boxer. there is confusion on the womens health and cancer rights act 1998 as it pertains to women who have had lumpecomy or segmental mastectomy. how can i get more involved?

keep up the good work and please let me know.