CMS project takes on cancer-care disparities

The CMS announced a demonstration project aimed at reducing disparities in cancer prevention and care between minorities and whites. Participating care-management and provider organizations will help minority Medicare beneficiaries navigate the healthcare system -- by coordinating care among providers, arranging translation services and scheduling appointments with culturally sensitive providers, for example. The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 allotted $25 million for the demonstration project, which will target breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers. Read the CMS release. -- by Tony Fong