Walker Says He Would Sign Senate Version Of Chemotherapy Bill

Gov. Scott Walker says he would sign the oral chemotherapy bill that’s up for a vote in the state Assembly today, should the bill reach his desk.

The plan would require insurance companies to charge the same rates for chemo whether it’s delivered in a pill or through an IV. It passed the state Senate, 30 to two.

There’s a chance, though, that Assembly Republicans could amend it today, which could potentially kill the bill this legislative session. Walker told reporters he’s more than comfortable with the Senate’s version.

“Well, I think it makes sense—you look at the vote total—to pass what the Senate had,” Walker said.

“If they’re going to make any modifications, my hope would be that if they did something like that, it would be something that the Senate would be amenable to.

“I don’t think anybody wants to go through this whole process and then have it stuck because one house passed one version and the other house doesn’t agree with it,” Walker continued.

While Walker now supports the plan, just a week ago he was prepared to leave it to the Legislature, saying the issue was “not on his radar.”