NCI recently updated its list of states that require health plans to cover patient care costs in clinical trials. The online feature, found at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/ctlaws-home,  is a useful resource for those who work to increase enrollment in cancer clinical trials. In the wake of new legislation, the Ohio entry was updated and a new entry for Washington, DC, was added. In addition, the interactive map was enlarged for easier use.

Some health plans don't cover routine care costs once a person joins a clinical trial, posing a barrier to enrollment. The NCI State Cancer Legislative Database Program tracks laws and voluntary agreements that require health plans to cover such costs. The Cancer.gov feature provides user-friendly links to current laws or agreements and their key provisions, as well as links to related resources.