How Do Oncology Professionals Feel About Possible ACA Repeal?

May 12, 2017

An NCCN survey taken during the period of congressional debate over new federal healthcare legislation, reports how oncology professionals feel about the possible repeal and replacement of the ACA.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network performed a survey during the period of congressional debate over the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which was withdrawn in late March due to the fact that the legislation did not have enough votes to pass. However, on May 4 the House approved legislation to repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The survey found that 55% of respondents anticipated a negative impact, 11% anticipated a positive impact, and 34% anticipated a neutral or mixed impact.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact, 71% believe fewer patients will have access to health insurance under proposed changes to the ACA.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact from changes to the ACA, 69% believe high deductibles will limit patient access to care.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact from changes to the ACA, 63% believe cancer screening rates will decline due to higher co-pays and deductibles.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact from changes to the ACA, 57% believe patients’ pre-existing conditions could be excluded from coverage.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact from changes to federal healthcare policy, 56% believe federal funding for cancer research will decline.

In respondents who anticipated a negative impact from changes to the ACA, 50% believe there will be less support for mental health services.

In respondents who anticipated a positive impact from changes to the ACA, 50% believe that with increased competition for insurers operating across state lines, health insurance premiums and co-pays will go down for more patients, leading to improved access to care.

In respondents who anticipated a positive impact from changes to federal healthcare policy, 50% believe allowing medications to be imported will create more competition and reduced drug prices.

In respondents who anticipated a positive impact from changes to the ACA, 38% believe patient health savings accounts will lead to increased price transparency for medical procedures and medications, causing healthcare costs to drop.

Two-thirds of respondents anticipated a negative impact on patients’ ability to afford their cancer care, with 9% anticipating a positive impact and 25% anticipating a neutral impact.

Although the ACA currently remains in place, according to the NCCN’s Chief Executive Officer Robert W. Carlson, MD, the “NCCN agrees there are ways to improve the current healthcare system for Americans with cancer, the clinical professionals who care for them, and payers. However, we are concerned for Americans with cancer that affordability, coverage of products and services in cancer treatment, and overall access will be impeded by allowing health insurers to set their own rates, or by providing states the ability to experiment with Medicaid coverage, without appropriate patient protections.”