End of the COVID-19 PHE Imperils Access to Cancer Drugs for Rural Patients

Syringe with glass vials and medications pills drug

Rule changes during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) allowed cancer patients to have their drugs delivered to their home. With the end of the PHE, this change reverts back to pre-pandemic rules, which will force patients to pick up their medications every few months. This poses significant problems for rural patients, some of whom will have to drive 500 miles for their medications.

According to , “The rule poses risks for seniors who don’t have easy access to transportation, sources told the news outlet. Medicare patients can still get cancer drugs mailed to them from third-party specialty pharmacies, though that can lead to waste and higher costs.”

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(Source: Becker’s Hospital Review, June 12^th, 2023)