Governor Brown signs bill to keep cancer-fighting drug costs down

Users of oral anticancer medication can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their prescription costs will not exceed a $250 limit.

Governor Jerry Brown approved and signed ‘The Oral Chemotherapy Fairness Act’ which keeps cancer-fighting drug prices down for Californians by prohibiting a health plan or health insurer from charging more than $250 per month in out-of-pocket costs for each filled prescription of a covered oral anticancer medication.

Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) authored the bill to help Californians who are fighting cancer afford and access their oral chemotherapy.

“The Oral Chemotherapy Fairness Act is about ensuring that cancer-fighting drugs can be administered orally allowing cancer patients to keep a focus on their everyday life routines,” said Assemblymember Limón. “AB 1860 will make a significant difference in the lives of many cancer patients.”

Limón says orally-administered anticancer medications are often the best and many times the only treatments available for cancer patients. Oral chemotherapy allows patients and their caregivers to maintain their daily routines while reducing economic losses due to missed work.

“We are grateful the Governor signed AB 1860 into law. This bill will ensure cancer patients do not have to choose between the cost of treatment and their quality of life,” said Assemblymember Limón.

AB 1860 will become law on January 1, 2019.