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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Beam		DATE TYPED:	02/20/03		HB	525
SHORT TITLE:		Community-Based Cancer Patient Support				SB
					ANALYST:		Wilson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
			$275.0	Recurring	General Fund

REVENUE

Estimated Revenue		Subsequent Years Impact	Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04
		See Narrative	Recurring	Federal/Private

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to HB 144

Duplicates SB 191

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 525 appropriates $275,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health to provide for comprehensive community-based cancer patient support services for cancer patients with any type of cancer. Services include education, patient library service, one-to-one matching with cancer veterans, survivorship support groups and an annual statewide survivorship conference.

Significant Issues

This year an estimated 7,400 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in New Mexico. Approximately 40,000 people in the state are currently living with cancer. For every one person living through cancer, there is an average of four other people-spouses, family, caregivers or significant others-who are also affected by the diagnosis. Therefore, as many as 160,000 people in New Mexico may need cancer support services.

Cancer survivor support services in New Mexico are typically provided through non-profit organizations formed from the “grass-roots” efforts of cancer survivors, who want to assist others through the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges of cancer. Survivor support organizations provide outreach services that include one-on-one and peer support, lending libraries, and education on all aspects of cancer survivorship, from dealing with the psychosocial aspects of a cancer diagnosis such as fear, anger, grief and loss, to navigating complicated medical, legal and governmental systems.

DOH currently contracts for cancer patient and survivor support services in the amount of $172,500 with services available primarily in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $275.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

A portion of these funds can be applied to the required state match for the Centers for Disease (CDC) Control and Prevention funded Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (B&CC) if needed. Currently DOH is using private funds to match the CDC federal grant which is roughly a three to one match. The private matching funds are in-kind contributions. When a provider agrees to accept the Medicaid rate rather than the Medicare rate, the difference is counted toward the state’s match.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DOH will execute and monitor the contracts and could conduct these functions with existing resources.

RELATIONSHIP/DUPLICATION

Relates to HB 144 that appropriates tobacco settlement program funds for the implementation of a comprehensive cancer control plan and prostrate cancer prevention services.

Duplicates SB 191.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the state. Approximately one in every five deaths is caused by cancer. Although cancer is still the second leading cause of death, cancer survival rates have been steadily increasing over the last five years. As survival rates improve, the need increases for psychosocial support to assist cancer patients with the emotional consequences of diagnosis, treatment and interpersonal relationships affected by the disease.

Research has shown that group support improves the quality of life for cancer patients and may prolong life. Overall, the literature shows social and peer-group support diminishes the sense of isolation, identifies unmet needs, enhances control over events and provides help in dealing with families and health care personnel, in accepting losses and changed roles. A supportive social environment promotes well-being and can protect persons from the deleterious effects of stressful life events such as cancer. Support may come from naturally occurring networks such as family and friends, or survivors may seek support from peer survivor support groups or health professionals

Since the majority of support service organizations rely on limited funding and are located in Albuquerque, cancer survivors in rural areas of the state are underserved. The funding in this bill will allow services to be expanded to rural areas of New Mexico, thus reducing identified inequities of cancer support services, improving access to information on available treatment options, reducing the emotional burden of invasive therapy and subsequent recovery, and improving overall patient and family education and quality of life. The target population for the B&CC Program is in rural underserved areas. Increased support services would further awareness of the new Medicaid treatment option for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the B&CC Program.

DW/prr