CPAN chapters across the country educate patients and staff about national policy issues that impact care locally. When CPAN advocates from around the country come together to explain why it’s critical to protect and promote community oncology, we become a guiding force for powerful change.
CPAN is asking all chapters to focus on “fail first” step therapy, a policy developed by insurers and pharmacy benefit managers that puts patients at risk by delaying or eliminating access to the latest, breakthrough cancer treatments. Step therapy is a dangerous barrier to innovative cancer care, with potentially devastating consequences.
CPAN chapters are hosting educational events on step therapy, which poses a clear and present danger to patients, families, and providers. The more our advocates know about step therapy, the more effectively we can oppose and work to defeat policies that limit access to needed treatments and jeopardize patients health. Taking what they learn from CPAN chapter meetings, advocates become well-equipped to contact their member of Congress about the issues, author a letter to the editor, or otherwise engage in support of community oncology.
“At our chapter events, we’re thrilled to see the cross-discussion that happens among our patients, survivors, and caregivers. Advocates at our event are motivated to respond to these issues and bring CPAN into their own organizations. We’re so excited to be building advocacy momentum at our chapter!”
- Susan Dicosola, Executive Director, Queens Medical Associates, New York.
