Shackleford’s HB 1065 passes out of the House of Representatives

Today, Feb. 17, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065, which aims to ease the financial burden for cancer patients participating in clinical trials, passed out of the House of Representatives and will go to the Senate for further consideration. If passed into law, the bill would create the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program. This program would allow independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

“Every year, millions of Hoosiers face a cancer diagnosis. The extreme emotional and physical burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis should not be accompanied by financial hardship. The Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program would provide funding for people who wish to travel to take part in a potentially life-saving clinical trial. Several other states have started programs like this and had great success. No one should miss out on the opportunity for live saving treatment because of the financial burden,” Shackleford said.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Indiana, with an estimated 2.4 million Hoosiers, or approximately two in five people, eventually facing a diagnosis. Despite the importance of clinical trials in discovering new treatments, less than 7% of eligible patients currently participate. Barriers to participation include the cost of travel, lodging, and missed work, which can be a significant burden on patients and their families.

"This bill is an example of how bipartisanship can work to bring tangible benefits to our constituents," Shackleford continued. "My hope is that the two parties can continue to work together on issues like this so we can improve public health in our state for all people."