To learn more about coronavirus and its impact on the lung cancer community, please review resources available on our coronavirus webpage.

Dear Members of the Lung Cancer Community,

As we continue to provide support to patients, caregivers, and providers during this public health crisis, we want you to know that we are also closely monitoring and advocating for rapid Federal actions that address the lung cancer community’s needs during the COVID-19 response. Several emergency relief bills have either been enacted into law or are on the verge of passage, including a large two trillion dollar economic stimulus measure expected to be approved today by Congress.

Like families, communities and businesses, these congressional activities have also been impacted by the same social distancing restrictions being observed across the country. Public access to the Capitol is suspended, congressional staffers are now working from home, and increasing numbers of Members of Congress are testing positive for the coronavirus and announcing that they will self-quarantine.

Even with these challenges, we continue to work “virtually” with our legislators. Among the many issues GO2 for Lung Cancer has reinforced during these past weeks is patient access to testing and treatment at no or low out-of-pocket costs. We have called for expanding the availability of telemedicine services to connect doctors to patients in a safe way and prevent disruption of necessary care. We have supported modifying refill policies to allow patients to obtain needed supplies of medicines and medical products, while balancing the need to prevent shortages.  In addition, we have requested that patients, particularly those most at risk because of being immunocompromised, have the option to access home infusion instead of going into the clinic during this emergency.

We have also communicated our concerns and recommendations directly to the President and his Task Force working to stem this virus.  Access the letter on our website.

The following is a summary of the COVID-19 response bills that have been passed or signed into law:

First Bill – Ramping up Response Infrastructure

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, HR 6074 was introduced on March 4 and signed into law (Public Law 116-123) by the President on March 6. The act provides a total of $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to conduct research and develop a vaccine in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Of specific interest is the $500 million set aside for Medicare telehealth mandatory spending. Title V, Division B of the law allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive certain Medicare telehealth restrictions during the coronavirus public health emergency. These waivers will allow Medicare providers to furnish telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries regardless of whether they live in a rural community. The provision would also allow beneficiaries to receive care from physicians and other practitioners in their homes; thereby, easing certain telehealth requirements while the coronavirus emergency declaration is active.

Second Bill – Access to Testing and Relief for Individuals and Employers

On March 18, the Senate followed the House of Representatives and passed the second supplemental package knowns as Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201. This bill was signed into law by President Trump that evening and it will provide rapid assistance on many levels. The act provides free coronavirus testing, emergency room visits and doctor fees, establishment of paid leave and paid sick days with reimbursement to small businesses, expanded unemployment insurance, increased federal Medicaid funding, and expanded food assistance and security initiatives.

Third Bill – Financial Support to Working Families and Businesses

Today, we have breaking news that Congress and the White House have struck a deal on the third legislative act, a $2 Trillion Stimulus Package aimed at delivering critical financial support to businesses in distress and relief to American families and hospitals. The legislation, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), is expected to be voted in the Senate later today and enacted into law within days as the biggest fiscal stimulus package in modern American history. Congress has also acknowledged that it is likely other legislative measures will be needed in the coming months to counter the consequences of the national crisis.

We recognize that the Federal government is a critical player managing a national response to COVID -19. We will continue to monitor, engage, and report back to you as federal actions unfold.  More importantly, please be assured that our advocacy work will not stop. This is because lung cancer will not stop, or be slowed down, because of this virus. Your health and well-being is and will remain our highest priority.

Sincerely,

Bonnie J. Addario
Co-Founder and Board Chair		 Laurie Fenton Ambrose
Co-Founder, CEO and President