Texas Oncology Presents Senator Charles Schwertner with the “Heroes Who Conquer Cancer,” Award

In Georgetown, Texas on February 12th, Texas Oncology hosted an advocacy dinner to honor Senator Charles Schwertner, MD (SD 5) with the “Heroes Who Conquer Cancer” award. He was recognized for his pivotal role in sponsoring HB 1647 (Rep. Harris) during the 88th Legislative Session, which passed and went into effect on September 1, 2023. This legislation safeguards patient choice by preventing Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and insurers from mandating patients with chronic, complex, rare, and life-threatening conditions to use PBMs’ mail-order specialty pharmacies for physician-administered drugs like chemotherapy, when receiving treatment in the community setting. Senator Schwertner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and pharmacist, has been a champion for physicians and patients’ access to safe and timely care throughout his tenure as a Representative in the House from 2011 to 2013 and in the Senate from 2013 to the present. We extend our gratitude to Senator Schwertner for his heroic advocacy for cancer patients.