Prostrate cancer victims look like they will be the first group thrown under the "Death Panel" bus. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may not cover FDA approved prostrate cancer drug Provenge.
The CMS statute states that Medicare must cover therapies that are reasonable and necessary, while the FDA is instructed to approve drugs that are safe and effective. Because of the conflicting Federal coverage and approval requirements, there are some non-FDA approved drugs (called off-label drugs) that are paid for by CMS. However, with respect to Provenge, it appears that CMS is arguing that while the treatment is safe and effective, it may not be reasonable and necessary. For the first time, an FDA approved anti-cancer therapy may not be covered by Medicare.
Perhaps, the Obama administration doesn't know African-American men have twice the prostrate cancer risk of white men. Who will be next to have their health care rationed?
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