Cancer patients could be shut out of receiving world-class treatment under ObamaCare because many of the nation’s premier cancer hospitals are excluded from the new policies.
An Associated Press survey found that only four of 19 comprehensive-cancer-treatment centers accept all the insurance policies offered in their states under the new national health plan.
In New York, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is included in only two of nine plans: Health Republic Insurance of New York and Oscar Health Insurance.
The situation seems to contradict the goal of ObamaCare, which bars insurers from denying coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions, including cancer.
While cancer patients can no longer be turned away, their coverage can be limited.
Health insurers, under pressure to lower costs, have narrowed their network of medical providers, advocates said.
“We understand the importance for patients with cancer to have access to Memorial Sloan-Kettering and are committed to ensuring that we remain accessible to those who seek our care,” said Caitlin Hool, the medical center’s spokeswoman.
“Unfortunately, a number of the commercial insurance companies who have offered products on the exchange have been unwilling to negotiate reasonable reimbursement rates for hospital and physician services.”
with Post Wires