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Reconciliation Package Improves Health Care Affordability for Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congress reached a significant budget deal that includes key provisions that will improve affordability of health care coverage for many cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. The reconciliation package includes language to help Medicare enrollees afford their outpatient prescription drugs by capping out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions for those with Part D plans and the option to spread expenses over the plan year, rather than requiring ... leaving more than 2 million Americans without a viable health insurance option. The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN: “Based on current legislative text, ACS CAN applauds Congress for prioritizing health and taking this important step to address ...

Congress Approves Relief Bill with Expanded Access to Health Coverage; Sends to President for Signature

... patients and survivors, who may have lost their insurance due to the ongoing pandemic. The bill will increase the eligibility and generosity of subsidies to cover the costs of marketplace health plans, offer financial support to cover all of the premium costs for laid off workers who choose to keep their ... goes to the president to be signed into law. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows: “We welcome the final passage of the coronavirus relief bill and its numerous provisions to expand access to affordable ...

Administration Decision to Withhold CSR Payments Threatens Access to Affordable Health Insurance

Washington, D.C.— Oct. 13, 2017—The administration announced yesterday evening it will immediately end funding for cost sharing reductions (CSRs) that help low- and middle-income families afford their health coverage. The announcement follows an executive order issued earlier in the day encouraging the creation of association health plans and signaling a change in the rules governing the length and renewability of short-term catastrophic insurance plans.  A statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows: “The administration’s decision to withhold funding to help individuals afford their health coverage will destabilize the ...

Cancer Patients Need Accurate Information When Shopping for Health Coverage in Medicare

WASHINGTON – December 4, 2018 -- "The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is troubled by reports that the administration is not enforcing a requirement that health plans provide accurate information in Medicare provider directories. Cancer disproportionately impacts older Americans, most of whom access health insurance through Medicare. Access to accurate information is critical for families affected by cancer who are trying to guarantee their insurance coverage will meet their health care needs. Medicare beneficiaries could face significant out-of-pocket costs if they buy a plan only to find out that a necessary medical provider is out of network after it is too late to switch plans. ACS ...

CBO Score Projects 14 million Americans Will Lose Health Coverage in 2018 Under House-Proposed Health Care Law

Washington, D.C. – March 13, 2017 – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) this afternoon released an estimate of the impact of the American Health Care Act on the number of insured individuals, compared to those covered under current law, as well as the potential cost implications for those individuals who remain covered. The CBO projects that under the House-proposed legislation the number of uninsured will ... passes, compared to 28 million Americans who are estimated to be uninsured under current law Those purchasing coverage in the individual market can expect average premiums to be 15 to 20 percent higher relative to current law in 2018 and 2019. A statement from American Cancer Society Cancer ...

Survivor Views: Open Enrollment

Overview The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change, as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As part of this effort, ACS CAN deploys surveys to better understand cancer patient and survivor experiences and perspectives, through our Survivor Views ... of at least $1,400 per individual or $2,800 per family. Majorities of those enrolled in high deductible plans say it was their only choice. Cost is considered the most important factor when it comes to comparing coverage options (43%), but the right mix of covered benefits is also ...

Report: Complex Medicare Appeals Process Leaves Patients at Risk for Delayed or Denied Care

Washington, D.C.— As millions of seniors and other enrollees select their 2021 Medicare health benefits during annual open enrollment, a new report details just how confusing the program’s appeals process can be should a patient need to appeal a claim denial for health care services or prescription drugs. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action ... the Medicare Trust Fund—action which is likely to include changes to seniors’ Medicare coverage options that could result in out-of-pocket cost implications. “When lawmakers consider significant changes to Medicare enrollee benefits they often cite the fact that patients can always ...

Senate Rejects Resolution to Halt Short-Term Insurance Changes and Preserve Patient Protections

... D.C.— Today the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would have prevented the extension and expansion of short-term limited duration health insurance plans (STLD) as allowed under a new rule from the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and Treasury. The rule allows insurers to issue – for up to 36 months – so-called short-term health insurance plans. Insurers can deny or charge people more for these plans based on their health status, are not required to cover essential health services, like prescription ...

‘Cancer Action Day’ Brings Cancer Survivors to Harrisburg, Advocates Urge State & Federal Lawmakers to Preserve Access to Care

... at the state Capitol yesterday for ‘Cancer Action Day,’ an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Advocates met with their state lawmakers and urged them to support policies that aid in the fight against cancer.  “Cancer Action Day is a ... all Pennsylvanians. Our message to lawmakers today is – you play a crucial role in that fight.”   While the ACS CAN volunteers spent much of Cancer Action Day at the Capitol connecting with state lawmakers, a cohort of survivors and advocates took the opportunity to visit Senator ... but too few Pennsylvanians who are eligible for screening actually receive it. Research shows us a main driver in delaying screenings is cost barriers. Even a relatively small amount can keep individuals from getting their recommended screenings and when it comes to prostate cancer, ...

COVID19: Patient advocates speak out against increasingly restrictive health insurance processes amid pandemic

... issue goes much deeper than our present environment. Prior authorization and step therapy are often applied to patients living with a wide range of diseases and chronic conditions, like, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. A practice that started as ... to the drug, test, or treatment option that was recommended by their physician. “We must consider long term solutions for the delays that can be caused by prior authorization and step therapy, not just a temporary fix. If these practices can be curbed for COVID-19, they should be ... are already fighting for our lives. We cannot afford to wait on insurers to approve tests or treatments ordered by doctors. Those delays can cost us precious, life-saving time.” According to a recent survey of physicians by the American Medical Association, the negative impact of ...

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