California Blue Shield pilot breast cancer project to offer bone marrow transplantation coverage.
Executive Summary
BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT PILOT PROJECT for treatment of breast cancer is being initiated to increase access to a "controversial breast cancer therapy for patients meeting certain eligibility criteria," BSC announced Jan. 19. The program will be a "voluntary, discretionary effort" by BSC to pay for high-dose chemotherapy in combination with autologous bone marrow transplantation or peripheral stem cell support in a research-based setting.