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Expand access to clinical trials!

Tell Congress: Expand access to clinical trials!

Clinical trials are a vital lifeline, offering access to high quality care and cutting edge treatments for people battling life-threatening diseases like cancer. But sadly, thousands of people are denied access to these trials each year, simply because their insurance doesn't cover routine treatment costs associated with the study.

The Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009 would remove this barrier by requiring insurance companies to cover routine care provided as part of a clinical trial – offering a lifeline to thousands of people and helping to advance our scientific knowledge. Similar bills have been introduced before, but failed to reach a vote. To ensure this bill passes, we need your help.

Don't let our Representatives in Congress waste this chance to support life-saving cancer research and access to care. Send a letter to your representatives today, urging them to support this vital bill.

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As your constituent, and as an advocate for cancer patients, I ask you to cosponsor the "Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009" (H.R. 716), which would require group health plans and health insurance providers to cover routine patient care costs for individuals enrolled in clinical trials.

The bill is sponsored by the co-chairs of the House Cancer Caucus, Reps. Steve Israel, Sue Myrick and Lois Capps, and cosponsored Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy.

Clinical trials help scientists and doctors deliver new scientific discoveries to patients' bedsides and determine which treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trials offer a lifeline for people with life-threatening illnesses like cancer. Each year, thousands of people gain access to the highest-quality cancer care and receive new treatments before they are widely available by participating in a clinical trial. Millions more benefit from the findings.

More than 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year, but fewer than 5 percent will participate in an approved clinical trial. The "Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009" will remove a barrier to patient participation and provide access to many more people.

Today, 24 states require insurance companies to cover routine care provided as part of a clinical trial, and the federal government and other state governments should follow suit.

The Access to Clinical Cancer Trials Act mirrors legislation introduced in the 107th, 108th, 109th and 110th sessions of Congress. Each time, the bill was locked away in committee. And each time, more people were locked out of the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.

Please do your part to knock down this unfair barrier that too many people face when they try to gain access to high quality cancer care. Sign up to cosponsor H.R. 716, the "Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2009."

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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