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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, ...

Patients, Survivors Advocates Gather in Olympia, Urge Lawmakers to Protect Access to Health Care on Cancer Action Day  

OLYMPIA, Wash. – As Washington residents face soaring health insurance costs and hundreds of thousands at risk of losing life-saving coverage, volunteer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will ask lawmakers on ... the potential price beyond the budget.  “Some budget cuts are more than numbers on a spread sheet, but literally mean lives lost,” ACS CAN Washington Government Relations Director Audrey Miller Garcia said. “These are not just financial decisions, but choices about who will and ... and cessation or the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Screening Program will damage Washington families well beyond their bank accounts. The cost will be the health of our children and lives of our loved ones. This is not political posturing. It’s based in data and is not a possibility ...

Cancer Advocates Rally in Olympia, Urge Lawmakers to Protect Access to Health Care on Cancer Action Day  

OLYMPIA, Wash. –– As Washington residents face soaring health insurance costs and hundreds of thousands at risk of losing life-saving coverage, volunteer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network asked lawmakers at ... the tobacco tax by at least $2 per pack.  “Some budget cuts are more than numbers on a spread sheet, but literally mean lives lost,” ACS CAN Washington Government Relations Director Audrey Miller Garcia said. “These are not just financial decisions, but choices about who will and ... and cessation or the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Screening Program will damage Washington families well beyond their bank accounts. The cost will be the health of our children and lives of our loved ones. This is not political posturing. It’s based in data and is not a possibility ...

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 ...

Over 100 Patient Groups Join to Raise Alarm Over Proposed Insurance Rule

Washington, D.C.—April 23, 2018—More than 100 organizations representing millions of patients, providers and consumers joined together in letters and formal comments to Congressional leadership and federal agencies urging the withdrawal of a proposed rule on short-term, limited duration insurance plans (STLD). The groups warn that the proposed rule would likely divide the ... Public comments on the rule are due to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor today. The joint comment letter can be viewed here . The letter to the Secretaries of HHS, Treasury and Labor can be viewed here . The letter to Congressional Leaders can be ...

Oklahoma Becomes 37th State to Increase Access to Health Coverage Through Medicaid

OKLAHOMA CITY  —    Oklahomans  approval of Medicaid expansion will improve health outcomes and reduce cancer disparities  for  2 00,000 citizens  now  eligible for health   care coverage.    On Tuesday, a majority of voters responded "yes" to  Question 802, which asked if Medicaid should  be fully expand ed   to  low-income adults earning less than ... permitted under the federal health law .   The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) president.  “T his  victory  is an incredible development for public health in  Oklahoma , which currently has the second-highest ...

House Votes on Legislative Package to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a legislative package containing provisions aimed at improving access to affordable health care, ... The package would also rescind the rule that extends the availability of short-term, limited duration insurance plans (STLD). These plans can deny or charge people more for coverage based on their health status, are exempt from covering essential health services, and can charge older ... misleading marketing tactics. The report’s findings mirror similar results from an ACS CAN report issued last year that showed STLD plans can cost cancer patients up to five times as much in out-of-pocket costs as a comprehensive plan. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the ...

House Committee Focuses on Public Health with Increased Tobacco Tax, Greater Access to Affordable Health Care

... in states that have not expanded Medicaid, make permanent increased tax credits for marketplace coverage, and cap Medicare enrollees’ out-of-pocket drug costs. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows: “This bill is a great step toward improving our nation’s public health and reducing our cancer burden. Increasing tobacco taxes ...

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