OK House Unanimously Passes Proton Therapy Cancer Bill

A plan to give cancer patients better access to proton therapy is moving forward.

“It was just amazing,” said Mike Bible referring to the effectiveness of his 42 proton therapy sessions.

Bible beat prostate cancer.

“My quality of life didn't change. I was able to do what I wanted when I wanted,” Bible said after his treatment.

Proton Therapy is more expensive than traditional radiation treatments, but has proven to be very effective in the fight against some cancers.

12/16/2014 Related Story: International Families Coming To OKC For Proton Therapy Radiation

The hurdle patients have is an unwillingness by some healthcare providers to pay for it. But legislation prohibiting health insurers from holding proton radiation cancer therapy to a higher standard of clinical effectiveness than other radiation therapies passed the house Wednesday

Survivors like Bible and others shared their stories with those casting a vote, hoping to make it easier to receive care.

“It should be between you and your doctor, not the insurance company,” said Bible.

The bill heads to the Senate after passing the House 97-0.