Supporters of cancer drug bill not giving up hope

MADISON (AP) — Supporters of a bill that would make cancer drugs more affordable in Wisconsin are not giving up hope that the measure can still pass the Legislature this year.

The proposal would require insurance plans overseen by the state to provide coverage for expensive forms of chemotherapy drugs that patients take as pills rather than injections.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has refused to allow the bill to come up for a vote, even though a majority of senators support it. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has also voiced opposition to the measure.

Paul Westrick, board chair for Wisconsin chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, says it will take public pressure to get Republican legislative leaders to schedule the bill for a vote.