Policy Agenda 2021-2022
At a Glance
The WCC Policy Agenda identifies policy-related goals to reduce our state's cancer burden and is designed to extend the impact of the Wisconsin Cancer Plan.
The Policy Agenda is developed every two years by the WCC Policy Committee and is closely monitored by the WCC Policy Coordinator. The Policy Committee provides education and recommendations to the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative membership to help advance the Agenda’s goals.
Explore the 2021-2022 Policy Agenda below.
Key Staff
Staff Facilitator: Amy Johnson, JD, WCC Policy Coordinator | contact
Policy Committee Chair: Kurt Oettel, MD, Gundersen Health System
Policy Goals
Goal 1: Increase availability of and access to comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Increase access to Medicaid for uninsured adults.
- Eliminate insurance loopholes that limit ability to receive medically necessary prevention, genetic counseling, screening, treatment, and survivorship services.
- Ensure protections for pre-existing conditions and lifetime limits are maintained.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 1
Health Equity
Goal 2: Decrease tobacco use and exposure to tobacco.
- Raise the cigarette tax and support policies that tax all tobacco products at the same rate.
- Strengthen policies to restrict youth access and use of cigarettes, other commercial tobacco products, and e-cigarettes.
- Maintain and expand clean air laws and policies to include e-cigarettes.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 2
Risk Reduction
Goal 3: Increase access to cancer prevention vaccination services.
- Require all insurance carriers to cover the complete cancer prevention vaccine series for all eligible patients at no cost.
- Maintain funding for Vaccines for Children program to provide no-cost vaccinations to Medicaid eligible, uninsured, and American Indian / Alaskan Native children.
- Include vaccination programs in the WIC program.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 3
Early Detection and Screening
Goal 4: Reduce barriers to cancer screening and increase insurance coverage for diagnostic testing.
- Keep decision-makers informed on the current recommendations for cancer screenings.
- Provide full insurance coverage for diagnostic testing, including after a positive or inconclusive screening result.
- Establish a registry that tracks cancer screening completion.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 4
Treatment
Goal 5: Reduce cancer costs incurred by patients and families.
- Educate policymakers on the impact of financial stress of cancer care outcomes.
- Reduce out-of-pocket costs supporting cancer treatment and associated expenses.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 5
Survivorship
Goal 6: Ensure access to quality palliative care.
- Establish a palliative care advisory council in Wisconsin.
- Increase insurance coverage of palliative care conversations and services.
CONNECTION TO THE PLAN
Chapter 6
End of Life
Other Actions:
- Download the 2021-2022 Policy Agenda
- Read recent issues of our quarterly Policy Review
To get involved or ask a question about the Policy Agenda or Policy Committee, contact us.