A huge financial burden has been lifted off the shoulders of cancer sufferers and many local families will feel the relief.
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Last Thursday, October 1, the NSW government abolished the co-payments for public hospital patients receiving Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs and Section 100 injectable and infusible chemotherapy medicines.
This change could mean savings of several hundred dollars a month for chemotherapy patients.
In the lead up to the announcement, Merimbula breast cancer survivor, SueEllen Yates, pursued politicians and spoke at conferences to advocate for the removal of co-payments for chemotherapy drugs. Ms Yates was “over the moon” when she heard the news.
“I’m really happy and relieved that the government has finally taken up with the promise they made in March. This will make a huge difference for families and cancer patients.”
Chemotherapy treatment in NSW previously cost between $200 and $300 per session.
“People don’t talk about the money when someone is fighting cancer. Now they won’t have to find hundreds of dollars for their life-saving treatment.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the change also affects other highly specialised drugs.
“The removal of the co-payment will benefit patients living with conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, Alzheimer's disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, severe allergic asthma and rare diseases affecting children.pathic arthritis.”