Public Policy and Advocacy is a cross cutting issue within Wisconsin's Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan 2005-2010. Cross cutting issues do not have a separate goal, but instead are threaded throughout the priorities, strategies, and action plans. The Priorities and Strategies focus on population-based and system changes through public policy and advocacy.
Current Advocacy Issues
Chronic Disease Repository:
Each year a vast number of unused prescription drugs are discarded and destroyed once cancer and chronic disease patients no longer require them. However, the Cancer and Chronic Disease Drug Repository will allow individuals to donate unused, unopened medications to participating pharmacies or medical facilities for eventual dispensing to uninsured or under-insured patients in the community. The Repository is the tangible result of an advocacy effort led by the American Cancer Society and supported by the Wisconsin Cancer Council.
Currently, there are only 22 local community and clinic pharmacies participating out of the approximately 1,000 pharmacies across the state. In order for this program to be successful, the number of participating pharmacies along with individuals and organizations who are willing to donate must increase.
Therefore, Wisconsin Cancer Council members are encouraged to promote the Cancer and Chronic Disease Drug Repository and encourage local pharmacies, hospice and nursing home facilities to become program participants. Make it know to these facilities that becoming a drug repository program participant or donor is quick and as easy as logging on to the Department of Health and Family Services at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/bqaconsumer/cancerdrugreposy.htm and completing the appropriate form.
Send to:
Cancer and Chronic Disease Drug Repository Program
Bureau of Quality Assurance
PO Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701
You can also fax it to: (608) 267-7119.
For questions or more information please e-mail the Bureau of Quality Assurance at Plicnsghomesfdds@dhfs.state.wi.us, attention Doug Englebert.
State and Federal Health Insurance Programs: Recommended Reimbursable Cancer Screening Services:
Screening and early detection is a key component of cancer prevention. Medicaid, Medicare and the State of Wisconsin’s BadgerCare/BadgerCare Plus Program offers a number of recommended reimbursable cancer screening services.
Medicare:
Is a government funded health care insurance program that provides insurance coverage for people 65 and older. For a detailed explanation regarding Medicare eligibility and coverage, visit: www.cms.hhs.gov. Additionally, a comprehensive list of all reimbursable cancer screening services can be found by downloading the Medicare & Medicaid Services: Cancer Screening brochure (pdf) or for smoking cessation information download the Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Counseling Services brochure (pdf).
Medicaid:
Is a state administered health insurance program in which each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. The program is available to certain low-income individuals and families who fit the federal and state eligibility criteria. Detailed information regarding eligibility and coverage is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ and for a comprehensive list and explanation of all cancer screening services available through the Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, visit:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/Medicaid2/handbooks/physician/med/med87.htm
BadgerCare Plus:
Is a new Wisconsin state health insurance plan for children under 19 years of age and families who require and want health insurance coverage. Badger Care Plus provides the same coverage for cancer screening services as the standard Medicaid plan. http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/Medicaid2/handbooks/physician/med/med87.htm
Past Advocacy Successes - Tax refund check-off system to provide funds for breast cancer research.
- Cancer Patient Protection Bill 2005-2006.
- Assurance of insurance coverage for treatment of tobacco addiction.
Public Policy and Advocacy Links
American Cancer Society
American Lung Association of WI
Smoke Free Wisconsin
UW Center for Patient Partnerships
WI State Legislature
Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition
Want your advocacy organization's website link added here? Email your web address to us at wicancer@uwccc.wisc.edu.
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