| SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE State Capitol
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Press Advisory
June 14, 2011
CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 367-4327
Senate covers breast and cervical cancer treatment for low-income women
SB 433 a major priority of the Oregon Women’s Health & Wellness Alliance
SALEM – The Senate approved legislation this afternoon that will help low-income women access life-saving treatment if they are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. SB 433 will expand eligibility of women for the treatment of breast and cervical cancer if they are diagnosed through a health care provider outside of the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (OBCCP).
“This vital legislation will provide life-saving treatment for hundreds of low-income women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chief sponsor of the bill and a breast cancer survivor. “Early detection and treatment are crucial for a cancer patient’s survival. With the passage of Senate Bill 433 we can ensure that low-income women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer receive prompt and comprehensive treatment, regardless of where they receive their diagnosis.”
Currently, the policy of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to allow only women who are diagnosed through an OBCCP provider to obtain treatment for their breast or cervical cancer. There are additional women who meet the income and age requirements of this program, but if they are diagnosed through a non-OBCCP provider, are not eligible for treatment.
“Low-income women in Oregon shouldn’t be penalized for receiving a diagnosis outside of a particular program,” said Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5), also a breast cancer survivor. “While we continue to expand the reach of the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, we must make sure that any woman who receives a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis can receive life-saving treatment.”
Senate Bill 433 is listed as a major priority on the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance 2011 session agenda. The bill will now go to the House floor for a vote.
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For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit
www.orsenatemajority.org