HR 8839 would mandate Medicare and Medicaid cancer survivorship coverage

What does this do?

HR 8839 establishes new coverage requirements across Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP for cancer survivors, including written care planning visits, fertility preservation services, and transition care for children finishing treatment. The bill also creates a grant program through the Department of Labor to help survivors with employment challenges and establishes a formal Office of Cancer Survivorship within the National Cancer Institute. The government would also be directed to develop a new payment model for survivorship care and fund community programs supporting survivors' physical and mental health.

Who does it affect?

Cancer survivors of all ages are affected, with lower-income survivors on Medicaid or CHIP receiving the most direct new coverage benefits. Children and teenagers transitioning out of cancer treatment, as well as patients whose fertility may be affected by treatment, are specifically addressed.

Why does it matter?

Requiring Medicare to cover care planning visits and Medicaid to cover fertility preservation creates new mandatory spending obligations for federal and state programs. Establishing the Office of Cancer Survivorship and funding community and employment programs represents an expansion of federal agency responsibilities and grant activity.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Dept. of Labor grants for survivor employment
• Community survivorship programs funded
• New NCI office established

Where does it stand?