JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt today signed Senate Bill 567, sponsored by Sen. Pat Dougherty, need health insurers to cover main health care costs for patients concerned in accepted phase II clinical trials for cancer treatments during a ritual at the Site man Cancer Center.

"All Missourians benefit from clinical trials as new treatment options generated by the invaluable research can greatly improve patient health and ultimately save lives," Blunt said.

"This important piece of legislation will help doctors and researchers collect vital information as they fight to cure cancer."

Under the new law, health insurers would be necessary to cover primary and routine patient care for those occupied in phase II clinical trials for cancer treatment. This expands obtainable statutes that require health insurers to cover primary care for phase III and IV clinical trials.

Clinical trials are vital in if the best possible care for cancer patients and eventually contribute to finding a cure for cancer. Current practices used to combat cancer will not be possible without patients participating in clinical trials.