2011 Legislative & Public Policy Priorities
Legislative Priorities
Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act
On September 20, 2010, NBCC launched Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®, a call to action for policymakers, researchers, breast cancer advocates and other stakeholders to end the disease by January 1, 2020. The Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act, which will soon be introduced, will provide a strategic approach to address questions NBCC has identified as vital to end the disease; identify barriers which hamper progress; and set forth a mission-oriented, transparent and focused process to help overcome these barriers and meet the goal of Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®.
Guaranteed Access to Quality Care for All
For many years now, NBCC has made access to quality health care for all a top priority. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" passed last year represents a significant step forward towards this goal and provides many important protections for breast cancer survivors. Repealing or invalidating this law would have many direct consequences for breast cancer survivors.
$150 Million for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program(BCRP) for FY2012
As a result of NBCC's grassroots advocacy, the DOD BCRP was created in 1992 to "eradicate breast cancer by funding innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers." NBCC seeks continued level funding for this successful program.
Preservation of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
Congress enacted the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act in 2000 after years of NBCC grassroots lobbying and influence. NBCC remains committed to ensuring all women and men screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through federal screening programs have access to the treatment they need.
Ensuring the Participation of Educated Patient Advocates in all Levels of Health Care Decision Making
NBCC continues to work to ensure that educated patient advocates have a"seat at the table" in all levels of health care decision making that affects their lives.
Public Policy Priorities
Breast Cancer Prevention Initiative
Despite years of effort by scientists, we still don’t know what causes much of this disease or how to prevent it, and we need a plan of action. NBCC will develop an overall breast cancer initiative that will make certain this happens.
Preservation of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
While NBCC pursues its work on guaranteeing access to quality health care for all, we are committed to making sure women screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through federal screening programs have access to the care they need. Congress enacted the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act(P.L. 106-354) in 2000 after years of NBCC grassroots lobbying and influence.
Consumer Involvement in all appropriate venues where decisions about healthcare and research are made
NBCC will pursue federal and state legislation and regulation to ensure meaningful consumer involvement in research and our healthcare system.
