Cancer Drug Parity Act of 2026

This bill would change federal law on employer group health plans so that patients' costs for FDA-approved cancer drugs they take themselves, such as pills, are no less favorable than their costs for cancer drugs given by IV or injection by a health care provider. Costs covered include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Plans could not meet this rule by raising out-of-pocket costs for cancer drugs or putting more limits on oral cancer drugs than on IV or injected ones. Plans could still require prior authorization, and state laws with greater protections would remain in effect. The rule would apply to plan years starting on or after January 1, 2027, and the Government Accountability Office would study its effect on patient costs within 2 years.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tina Smith Democrat sponsor
• 4 cosponsors