Senator Susan Rubio Bill Creating Cancer Medication Recycling Program Passes CA Assembly

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Assembly today passed a bill by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that helps our most vulnerable cancer patients receive access to life-saving cancer medication.

Senate Bill 310 creates a cancer medication donation program by establishing a registration program for the collection and distribution of specified unused cancer medications under the Cancer Medication Recycling Act.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way,” Senator Susan Rubio said. “ I want to thank the State Assembly for passing SB 310, a program that will reduce costs, ensure timely access, and prevent unused medications from going to waste, all while protecting our medically fragile patients.”

“Cancer care is costly and often delayed due to costs or insurance delays,” said Autumn Ogden-Smith, Director of State Legislation for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network California. “Even with insurance, cancer patients often face unpredictable or unmanageable costs including high co-insurance, high deductibles, having to seek out-of-network care, and needing a treatment that is not covered by their health plan.  Senate Bill 310 will help provide needed medications for those patients who cannot afford their medication or whose health plans forces untimely approval times.”

“We are proud to co-sponsor this bill, which will give so many patients and their doctors the best opportunity to properly treat cancer as quickly as possible and reduce the waste of high-quality medications,” according to The Association of Northern California Oncologists. “With implementation of this innovative bill, oncologists will be able to safely redistribute unused cancer medications to patients in need.  We applaud the Senator for her ongoing commitment to oncologists and our patients throughout the state.”

In 2018, the National Council on State Legislatures indicated there are 21 states that have active drug donation and reuse programs, serving thousands of patients, and saving tens of millions of dollars over the years.

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Media Contact: Edward Barrera, edward.barrera@sen.ca.gov