Benay Taub Lung Cancer Research Act to create specialized federal task force
On Nov. 24, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced the introduction of new legislation to combat lung cancer, cut through red tape, streamline health care access, and increase funding for research.
The Benay Taub Lung Cancer Research Act would create a specialized federal task force made up of members from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), and CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to address gaps in access to lung cancer screenings, recommend best practices for early detection, and ensure sufficient funding. The bill is named after lung cancer research advocate and Lung Cancer Research Foundation board member, Benay Taub.
The IMPACT (Improving Medicaid Precision and Cancer Testing) Act would extend Medicaid coverage for medically necessary biomarker testing for lung cancer. The bipartisan bill is co-led by Rep. John Rutherford (FL-5).
The Lung Cancer MAP (Medicare Access to Precise Testing) Act cuts red tape to ensure patients receive the fastest specialized treatment, breaking down barriers that restrict testing only to later-staged cancer. The bipartisan bill is co-led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-2).
Rep. Gottheimer is also supporting the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act and the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act.
“I still cannot believe that I have lung cancer, let alone stage 4 incurable metastatic lung cancer,” Taub told those gathered for the announcement. “I live a healthy lifestyle. I do not smoke. I had no known risk factors, other than one… I have lungs. And if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.”
Hear her remarks below, along with some words from Rep. Gottheimer.
>> Learn more about the legislation at this link.
>> View the full press conference.