Governor Scott Walker doesn’t think the Assembly should make any changes to a bill making oral chemotherapy drugs more affordable to cancer patients. “Looking at it the last few days, just as it has gotten coverage, I would sign the bill the Senate passed. So, I’m hopeful that’s the bill that will ultimately make it out of the Assembly.” Walker says, “Just as we thought it was likely to pass the Senate, I mentioned that a few days ago, I think that it’s likely it will ultimately pass the Assembly.”
The proposal would require insurance companies to cover chemotherapy drugs in pill form, if they already cover traditional chemo treatments.
Many lawmakers stood up on the Senate floor Tuesday and encouraged colleagues to pressure their friends in the Assembly to pass the legislation without changes. Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) says the Senate vote would be moot if the other house does nothing.
AUDIO: Walker says it “probably makes the most sense” for the Assembly to pass the Senate’s version. :07
The Senate approved the bill on a 30-to-2 vote Tuesday. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said shortly afterward that his chamber could still take up the measure, but also might amend it.
Supporters say that would make the drugs more affordable for cancer patients. Opponents called it another mandate on the insurance industry that would drive up health costs in the long run.
Walker made his comments to reporters in Appleton this morning.
Mike Kemmeter, WHBY contributed to this story.