Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Panetta, John Joyce, M.D., and Paul Tonko have taken steps to modernize Medicare’s payment model for radiation therapy with the introduction of the bipartisan Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Program Act of 2025. This bill aims to safeguard nationwide access to advanced cancer treatments and enhance patient outcomes while achieving Medicare savings.
Medicare’s declining reimbursements over the past decade have significantly impacted access to radiation therapy, particularly for seniors and underserved communities. With radiation oncology facing a 23% cut in reimbursements, the ROCR Act seeks to reverse this trend by providing financial stability to providers and protecting access to innovative cancer care.
“The ROCR Act is about putting patients first and ensuring every American battling cancer has access to the highest quality care. We cannot allow outdated policies to dictate patient outcomes,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. He emphasized that the act updates Medicare to ensure radiation therapy remains accessible and patient-focused.
Rep. John Joyce, M.D. highlighted that “innovation is the cornerstone of American medicine,” and the act ensures that seniors have access to essential therapies. Rep. Panetta pointed out that outdated Medicare policies jeopardize care for over a million cancer patients annually. He stated that the ROCR Act is vital for maintaining high-quality care, particularly for rural and underserved populations.
Rep. Tonko expressed his long-standing support for radiation therapy, noting that the ROCR Act “will bring financial stability, improved patient access, and better health outcomes.” Senator Tillis echoed these sentiments, stating that the bipartisan bill corrects current reimbursement policies by rewarding quality over quantity.
Howard M. Sandler, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the American Society for Radiation Oncology Board of Directors, described the ROCR Act as a balanced policy solution to ensure access to high-value cancer treatment for Americans.
Central to the ROCR Act is the Health Equity and Achievement in Radiation Therapy (HEART) initiative, which aims to address barriers preventing patients from accessing care. This initiative, backed by the National Cancer Institute, seeks to improve cancer survival rates in underserved communities.
Radiation oncology has endured sharp Medicare payment cuts over the past decade. The ROCR Act seeks to reverse these reductions, thus ensuring continuous access to essential cancer treatments for seniors.
