Steffanie's Law effort vowed

Posted: May 23, 2008 11:50 AM

Steffanie's Law was named after brain-cancer patient Steffanie Collings, who died earlier this year.

Associated Press

An Oklahoma senator says efforts to get a hearing for a bill that would require insurance companies to cover routine medical care for those participating in clinical trials have failed.

Oklahoma City Senator Andrew Rice says House Republican leaders refused to permit the measure to receive a vote at any point.

Steffanie's Law covers those who have insurance, but take part in clinical trials in a last-ditch effort to find a cure.

It is named for Steffanie Collings, who died in March at the age of 18 after a 4-year battle with brain cancer. Her family incurred debt of $400,000 after their insurance carrier would not pay for her routine medical bills.

Rice is running for the U.S. Senate, and says if he's elected, he'll take the fight to the federal level.

Opponents of Rice's bill say they're concerned it would raise insurance rates.